Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee has said star guard LaMelo Ball is "very apologetic" for making what the NBA called "an offensive and derogatory comment" as it fined him $US100,000 ($155,000), the maximum allowed by league rule.

Ball made the comment on Saturday, local time, shortly after the Hornets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 115-114.

Sideline reporter Shannon Spake asked Ball about the team's defensive strategy against Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo on the game's final play, and Ball used an anti-gay slur while delivering his answer.

The league penalised the 23-year-old Ball on Sunday before the Hornets played in Cleveland.

Lee opened his pre-game media session by addressing the situation and said he had spoken to Ball about his behaviour.

"As an organisation that is obviously not something we condone," Lee said.

"Our standards and what is required of our players in the environment we create is really important to us.

"I spoke to Melo and he's obviously very apologetic. From what I've seen since I've been around him, he loves everyone. He's a joy to have around the facility and it's not typically how he operates.

"He and I talked about the seriousness of the situation and how he needs to conduct himself going forward."

Lee said Ball was remorseful.

"He understands what's going to be expected of him," he said.

"I look forward to seeing him grow from this moment, but I wanted to start off by saying that we apologise for what happened."

Ball was not made available to reporters before the game.

Lee was confident Ball would keep his word.

"He and I talked about it and he definitely said going forward, 'I'm going to be better' and I want to see that happen," Lee said. "So for somebody to use those words and say that out of his mouth, we will make sure to hold him accountable to that."

Ball had 26 points in the win over Milwaukee, including a pair of free throws with 7.3 seconds left that gave Charlotte the lead for good.

Ball played 12 games for the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL before being selected third in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Despite only playing 12 games in the 2019-20 season, Ball was still awarded Rookie of the Year in 2020.

AP