LaMelo Ball Sidelined with Ankle Sprain, Out for Week

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball will be reevaluated in one week after an MRI confirmed a left ankle sprain, the team announced Wednesday. The injury occurred during Monday night’s 112-107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ball, 23, suffered the injury after stepping on Lakers forward Rui Hachimura‘s foot while backpedaling down the court. He fell backward, hitting his head on the floor, but managed to walk to the locker room under his own power with a slight limp. The incident happened shortly after Ball made a 3-pointer off one foot.

This latest setback adds to Ball’s history of ankle injuries, which have plagued him since being drafted third overall by the Hornets in 2020. Over his NBA career, Ball has missed 158 games due to various injuries. This season, he has been wearing ankle braces as a preventive measure.

Despite averaging a career-high 28.2 points per game, Ball was not selected as an All-Star starter, even though he led all Eastern Conference guards in fan voting. His absence is a significant blow to the Hornets, who are already struggling with a 12-31 record.

The Hornets face the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday at Spectrum Center, with both teams dealing with multiple injuries. Charlotte has five players listed on the injury report, including Ball, while the Nets have eight players sidelined.

In their previous matchup, Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points in the loss to the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Nets are coming off a 110-96 defeat to the Sacramento Kings, with D'Angelo Russell scoring a team-high 19 points.

Ball’s injury timeline will be closely monitored as the Hornets aim to navigate a challenging season.