LaMelo Ball has reminded NBA fans why he is one of the most electrifying players in the league this season. However, the star who has only played more than 52 games in a season once in his five-year career, suffered another injury vs. the Lakers on Monday night.
The Hornets star has been a standout performer this year, but an untimely injury threatens to derail the best season of his young career.
Here’s what is known about Ball’s latest ailment.
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LaMelo Ball injury update
Ball exited the game in the second quarter after rolling his left ankle. He was backing up after a three-pointer and did not see Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt behind him.
LaMelo Ball will NOT return to tonight’s game due to an ankle sprain, Hornets announced
pic.twitter.com/ikVGgBHbv2— SleeperHoops (@Sleeper_Hoops) January 28, 2025
Ball tried to keep playing but was subbed out on the next play, walking gingerly to the locker room. Ball did not appear to be limping too heavily as he made his way to the back. He was ruled out shortly after.
After hitting one of his one-legged thee-pointer, LaMelo Ball stepped on Jarred Vanderbilt’s foot walking down the court and looks to have turned his ankle.
Limped off the court straight to the locker room.pic.twitter.com/34f2P70MnD
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) January 28, 2025
Hornets coach Charles Lee provided an update after the game, saying Ball is still being evaluated. He also praised him for his engagement on the bench after the injury.
Here’s what Charles Lee had to say about LaMelo Ball’s injury right after tonight’s game: pic.twitter.com/rvQeNTFEQ8
— Rob Longo (@Rob_Longo) January 28, 2025
Ball has missed 12 games this year because of left calf, left ankle, and right wrist injuries, with this latest injury marking the third separate issue he’s had with his lower left leg this season.
LaMelo Ball stats
Ball has had a career year, averaging a career-high 28.9 points per game, 7.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds on 51.3/33.4/82.4 shooting splits. He led all Eastern Conference guards in All-Star fan votes, but he was not named a starter after failing to receive enough media votes.
It might not matter, as Ball may not be able to play in the All-Star game at all after tweaking his ankle in Monday’s game.
The Hornets are currently 14th in the Eastern Conference with the fourth-worst record in the NBA. They are five games back from the Bulls for the last Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament spot.
MORE: Explaining why NBA fans, media are so split on LaMelo Ball
Hornets schedule
If Ball’s injury results in an extended absence, Charlotte’s hopes for a Play-in Tournament appearance will likely be squashed. With Brandon Miller (wrist) already out for the year, the Hornets are running out of legitimate offensive options.
After the Hornets’ 112-107 loss to the Lakers on Monday, they have five straight home games. They then go on a three-game road trip before the All-Star break.
| Date | Team | Time |
| Wed., Jan. 29 | vs. Nets | 7:00 ET |
| Fri., Jan. 31 | vs. Clippers | 7:00 ET |
| Sat., Feb. 1 | vs. Nuggets | 7:00 ET |
| Mon., Feb 3 | vs. Wizards | 7:00 ET |
| Wed., Feb. 5 | vs. Spurs | 7:00 ET |
| Sun., Feb. 9 | @ Pistons | 1:00 ET |
| Mon., Feb. 10 | @ Nets | 7:30 ET |
| Wed., Feb. 12 | @ Magic | 7:00 ET |
