Charlotte Hornets standout LaMelo Ball encountered another setback on Monday night, exiting the game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a troubling ankle injury. The unfortunate incident transpired during the second quarter of the Hornets’ 112-107 loss when Ball executed a remarkable step-back 3-pointer over Jarred Vanderbilt. In a bizarre turn of events, as Ball retreated down the court, unaware of Vanderbilt’s presence behind him, he inadvertently stepped on the Lakers forward’s foot. The impact caused Ball’s left ankle to twist, sending him tumbling to the floor in excruciating pain. Despite attempting to halt the play with a take foul, Ball had to hobble off to the locker room and was promptly diagnosed with a left ankle sprain, forcing him to sit out the remainder of the game.
Hornets coach Charles Lee provided some insight into the aftermath, stating, “Yeah, I came in here pretty quickly afterwards, so I know that they’re still obviously doing some evaluation. We’ll see what happens tomorrow as he comes in for treatment and stuff. But he did a great job of being in the locker room and being engaged when the guys came off the court.” The timeline for Ball’s recovery remains uncertain, leaving fans and teammates alike on edge as they await further updates.
Given Ball’s extensive history of ankle injuries and the Hornets’ current standings at 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 12-31 record, it’s plausible that the team will opt for a cautious approach regarding his return. The 2020 third overall draft pick has been plagued by various setbacks throughout his career, including a fractured right wrist, a season-ending ankle injury in 2023, and multiple ankle problems in 2024. Despite Ball’s diligent efforts to prioritize his physical well-being by wearing ankle braces this season, the unfortunate incident against the Lakers underscores the unpredictability and fragility of professional sports.
Before the season commenced, Lee commended Ball for his dedication to self-care and the preventive measures he was taking with the support of the team’s performance and coaching staff. Despite Ball’s remarkable performance this season, averaging career-highs of 28.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, his aspirations of being named an All-Star starter were narrowly missed. While Ball garnered significant fan and player support, finishing third in the player vote, his seventh-place ranking in the media vote may have impacted his chances. Nevertheless, Ball’s potential selection as an All-Star reserve could be in jeopardy due to his recent injury, adding a layer of uncertainty to an already tumultuous season for the talented player.
