The Charlotte Hornets announced that star guard LaMelo Ball will be re-evaluated in one week following an MRI that confirmed he has a left ankle sprain.
LaMelo Ball injured himself during the Charlotte Hornets’ match against the Los Angeles Lakers. The game against the Lakers was a 112-107 loss for the Hornets. The injury happened when Ball shot the 3-pointer and went out of balance, forcing him to retreat into the court.
Tragically, his foot hit against the feet of the Lakers forward, Jarred Vanderbilt and he fell backward, banging his head against the floor. After the fall, Ball was able to get back on his feet, committed a foul to stop the clock from running out, and then walked to the locker room, though he limped slightly.
Ball, at age 23, has had recurring ankle injuries ever since he was drafted third overall by the Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft. This injury has accounted for a total of 158 missed games.
Ball has been wearing sporting braces this season to protect his ankles. In a season during which he is leading all Eastern Conference guards in voting, Ball wasn’t picked as an All-Star starter; however, he’s averaging a career-high 28.2 points per game.