Hornets guard LaMelo Ball exits game vs. Lakers with an ankle injury

The injury bug bites Charlotte once again.

Nov 21, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) watches a foul shot during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

In the first half of Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball exited the game with an ankle injury and has been ruled out for the rest of the night.

Ball drained a three-point shot, and on his way back, he accidentally stepped on the foot of Jared Vanderbilt, causing him to immediately hit the deck. Ball laid there for a second but popped right back up and hobbled down the runway and into the locker room under his own power. There are no further details on the injury at this time, but it could just be a precautionary measure to keep him out for the rest of tonight's contest due to his long history of ankle injuries.

Replay of LaMelo Ball rolling his left ankle while backpedaling after hitting a 3. pic.twitter.com/tCx6MBzGuE

— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) January 28, 2025

At the time of his departure, Ball had seven points, one assist, and one steal in nine minutes of action. The Hornets are already without Brandon Miller and Grant Williams for the rest of the season, and it doesn't appear Tre Mann is anywhere close to a return. The last thing the Hornets can afford is another long-term injury to a key player.

Stay tuned to Charlotte Hornets On SI in the coming days for the latest on Ball's injury.

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