The NBA trade deadline looms large on the distant horizon, and several teams are expected to be active participants. Perhaps the most obvious seller is the Chicago Bulls, who would love to discard their veterans in order to embrace a full-blown rebuild.

After having Thanksgiving off, the Charlotte Hornets returned to action against the New York Knicks on Friday afternoon. It was a defense-first affair that featured plenty of lead changes, however, the Hornets couldn't get the job done as they fell 99-98 to the Knicks in front of a disappointed Spectrum Center crowd.

Despite LaMelo not suiting up, his father, LaVar Ball, was still in attendance. LaVar was live on the "Big Baller Brand" Instagram page during the waning moments of the game. While he was live, LaVar dropped a cryptic message for the Hornets fans who were tuned in.