After exiting Monday’s game due to a left ankle injury, All-Star Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball appears to have avoided a long-term issue.
Upon further testing, the original diagnosis of a left ankle sprain was confirmed, according to Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer, who reports that Ball will be sidelined for at least one week before his status is reevaluated.
During the second quarter of an eventual 112-107 defeat to the Lakers, Ball injured his ankle after nailing a one-footed three-point jumper and inadvertently stepping on the foot of Los Angeles forward Jarred Vanderbilt on his way back up the court (Twitter video link). Ball fell and hit his head, stopped play with a deliberate foul, and limped to the locker room.
He was quickly ruled out for Charlotte’s bout with Brooklyn on Wednesday, a 104-83 loss. The defeat dropped the Hornets to a 12-32 record on the year. Charlotte currently has the fourth-best odds of landing the top pick in this summer’s draft.
Ball has struggled with his health throughout his NBA career. The 2021 Rookie of the Year has only appeared in more than 51 games once in his first four seasons in the league.
In 31 healthy games this year, the 23-year-old is averaging 28.2 points, 7.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals per night, while providing plenty of highlight reel-worthy plays.
Damn, dude’s ankles are made of glass. Why can’t he learn from Steph
Somebody should teach him how to tape his ankles. It ain’t hard.
“the 23-year-old is averaging 28.228.2 points” PUT HIM AND KAI JONES IN THE HOF NOW ️
He was averaging 46 games per year and this is par for the course. I would be extremely hesitant to give him a big contract – chucks/launches shots at will which pads his stats because his percentages are not at all star level as a shooter. If he’s this injury prone at a young age, his career trajectory doesn’t look promising, but someone will pay him.
Charlotte already gave him a huge extension. 5/$260M, I believe this is year one of that.
Real shame to see one of the best players in the league out… hope he gets back soon!
Sorry for his ankles. He is still the most annoying NBA player to watch however.