Lakers News: Lonzo Ball reported out against Thunder

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 11 (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 11 (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images) /
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The cornerstone of the franchise is out again at arguably the worst possible point of a needful turnaround to a disappointing Los Angeles Lakers campaign.

Los Angeles Lakers news is not positive once again in reference to player’s health. Lonzo Ball has already missed time due to a sprained shoulder suffered against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Los Angeles lost the game 95-92. As a result of the injury, the Lakers lost six straight without him in the lineup. Once he returned, Ball helped lead his team on a four-game winning streak. It heightened in a matchup with Dennis Smith, Jr.’s Dallas Mavericks.

Unfortunately, Ball woke up the next morning with a sore knee.

According to Mike Trudell of SpectrumSN, the Lakers had Ball take an MRI as a “precautionary measure.”

As a result, Lonzo Ball’s impact will be missed against Oklahoma City. The Lakers have already fallen to the Thunder this season at home, so far to the point where head coach Luke Walton openly apologized to the city of Los Angeles for the team’s poor play.

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Ball missed that game as well because of injury. This will be the second consecutive game that Ball sits out, as he also missed Monday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Lonzo Ball’s matchup against reigning league-MVP Russell Westbrook is anticipated but will have to wait again.

Although the Thunder have massively underperformed this season, Westbrook tore up his competition during the month of December. According to ESPN, Westbrook averaged a triple-double in the final moments of 2017, at 27.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 10.6 APG.

Tyler Ennis will most likely start in his second game as a playmaker. Newly signed Gary Payton II should be able to contribute heavily as a tertiary point guard as well.

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While Ball will be sidelined, small forward Brandon Ingram is expected to return to the lineup. Ingram also missed Monday’s game against the Grizzlies because of an ankle injury.