LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets' star point guard, will be re-evaluated in one week following a left ankle sprain sustained during Monday night's game. The injury occurred in a close 112-107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite leading all Eastern Conference guards in votes, Ball was not named an All-Star starter this season. As the 23-year-old continues to push his career-best average of 28.9 points per game, the Hornets will assess the extent of his injury and determine his availability moving forward.
The incident took place after Ball made a remarkable 3-pointer off one foot. While backpedaling down the court, he inadvertently stepped on Lakers' player Jarred Vanderbilt's foot, causing him to fall backward and hit his head hard on the floor. Demonstrating resilience, Ball managed to get up and walked to the locker room under his own power, albeit with a noticeable limp.
Ball has experienced a series of ankle injuries since the Hornets selected him with the third pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. To date, these injuries have sidelined him for a total of 158 games throughout his professional career. This season, he has been wearing braces to support and protect his ankles, yet this precautionary measure couldn't prevent Monday's setback.
The injury transpired after Ball intentionally fouled to stop the game clock. Despite his impressive performance and leadership on the court, this incident underscores the persistent challenge of maintaining his health. The Hornets and their fans remain hopeful for a swift recovery, as Ball's dynamic playmaking abilities are crucial to the team's success.
Leave a Reply