USA Today via Reuters
Nov 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Charlotte Hornets have banked on LaMelo Ball as their franchise player. The 22-year-old signed a 5-year $260 million extension with the Hornets last summer. But the Hornets have not been able to reap the benefits of securing one of the most talented young players in the league. LaMelo has not suited up for the Hornets since November 26 due to a sprained ankle.
But a positive update on LaMelo Ball ahead of Friday’s clash against Victor Wembanyama and Co. gave Charlotte fans a glimmer of hope.
LaMelo Ball’s return from injury
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NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that LaMelo Ball could return to action on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs. His status for the clash against Victor Wembanyama and Co. has been upgraded to questionable. That is great news for the Charlotte Hornets, who have been playing without their superstar for nearly two months. LaMelo injured his ankle during a game against the Orlando Magic in November. During the second quarter, Ball dribbled past Paolo Banchero and drove to the rim for a layup. Although LaMelo managed to finish the layup, he twisted his ankle while landing and fell to the floor.
Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball – out since Nov. 26 due to sprained ankle – could return Friday vs. Spurs in San Antonio. He has been upgraded to questionable.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 11, 2024
LaMelo was in a lot of pain after spraining his ankle and limped to the locker room. He has been out of action since that game. Ball was having an All-Star-caliber season before he got injured. He was averaging 24.7 points, 8.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds. The Charlotte Hornets are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference standings with an 8-27 record. And they need LaMelo back in the lineup to turn things around. The San Antonio Spurs are one of the few teams that have a worse record than the Hornets.
If LaMelo Ball returns from injury to play on Friday, that will give the Hornets a great chance to add a win to their record.
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Read More: After LaMelo Ball Heartbreaker, Finally Some Good News for Michael Jordan
LaMelo Ball’s injury-plagued career
At just 22 years old, LaMelo Ball has proven himself as one of the most skilled players in the league. He won the Rookie of the Year award in his first season and made his first All-Star team the following year. Unfortunately, the Hornets guard has been unable to reach his full potential since then. His young career has been plagued by injuries. After his All-Star season in 2022, LaMelo played only 36 games last season due to multiple ankle injuries.
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Even this season, LaMelo has played only 15 games so far. Ball’s ankle has been a constant issue for him throughout his career, and he needs to find a way to stay away from ankle sprains that keep him out for months. Maybe he can take a page out of Stephen Curry’s book, as the Warriors superstar had the same problem during the early days of his career.
Watch This Story: 39-Year-Old LeBron James Ends 2023 High and Way Above Fellow Veteran Stephen Curry in Elite NBA List
