After hitting a 3-pointer, LaMelo Ball sprains his left ankle when he steps on Jarred Vanderbilt’s foot while backpedaling down the court.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball left Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter with a left ankle injury.
He did not return and the Hornets lost 112-107.
INJURY UPDATE: @hornets guard LaMelo Ball left tonight’s game against LAL in the 2Q with a left ankle sprain. He will not return.
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) January 28, 2025
Ball had just made a 3-pointer off one foot and was backpedaling down the court when he stepped on Jarred Vanderbilt’s foot and fell backward, hitting his head hard on the floor. Ball then got up, intentionally fouled to stop the clock and then walked directly to the locker room under his own power with a slight limp.
It was supposed to be a celebratory night for the Hornets in a game aired on free, local over-the-air TV throughout the Carolinas for the first time since the 2007-08 season — giving them a chance to potentially capture a new audience.
But it didn’t go as planned.
Anthony Davis scored 21 points in the first quarter on 9-of-12 shooting to go along with 11 rebounds as the Lakers bolted to a 39-19 lead. Davis finished with 42 points and 23 rebounds to fuel the win.
Ball has had a history of ankle injuries since joining the Hornets. He has been wearing braces this season to help protect his ankles.
Hornets coach Charles Lee said after the game he had no immediate update on Ball’s status moving forward or how much time he might miss.
Ball had seven points in nine minutes before the injury.
