Recent Los Angeles Lakers news provides an update on injured point guard, Lonzo Ball.
In recent Los Angeles Lakers news, an update has been provided on the status of Lonzo Ball. The rookie season for Ball has sadly been full of ups and downs (with “downs” happening more often than “ups”).
He had a rough start to the season and right when he started to turn it around, he was slowed down due to a pair of injuries. The first was a shoulder injury that caused him to miss six straight games from Christmas-January 3rd.
The second injury, which he currently has, is a strained MCL in his knee. Because of it, Lonzo will miss his 12th straight game on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Luke Walton has stated that Lonzo Ball will need to get a full practice in before he returns to the court, and it doesn’t seem that is happening soon.
Quotes From Wednesday’s Practice About Lonzo
There was hope that Lonzo could get a full practice in on Wednesday, but that didn’t happen. In fact, it seems he is still far from a full practice.
Reporters caught up with Lonzo today following the Lakers practice and he provided some updates on his progress.
🎥 Lonzo Ball gives an update on his knee injury and how the rehab process is going. pic.twitter.com/jAAwipU1GH
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 7, 2018
Ball talked about the drills and workouts he’s able to do as he tries to get back on the court. He had a very troublesome quote though, about what needs to happen before he gets suited up again.
"“I can’t take off like full sprints, and I can’t jump either. When I can do those things, that’s when hopefully I can get on the court.”"
Yikes. Lonzo traveled with the team on their recent 5 game road trip and it seemed that he might be able to play towards the end of it. It’s obvious now that that wasn’t the case, and that he might not actually be back soon.
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He even seemed unsure of whether or not he would participate in the All-Star weekend. Ball is supposed to play in the Rising Stars game on February 16th alongside Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram.
Competing Without Lonzo
Unlike Lonzo’s first injury stint, the Lakers are actually thriving without him. Compared to the Lakers’ 0-6 record when Lonzo’s shoulder was hurt, they are 7-4 in the 11 games he’s missed due to the knee.
Brandon Ingram has been a big reason why they have done better this time without their starting point guard. He actually took over point guard duties the past three games, averaging 19.3 PPG and 6.7 APG. Josh Hart has also contributed to the good stretch, with three double-doubles in a row.
It may be sunny in L.A. now, but a regression back to the initial ways without Lonzo may come. The Lakers definitely will start to miss their 2nd overall pick at some point, but hopefully, he will come back before that happens. Kyle Kuzma (jokingly) on the other hand, doesn’t think they need him back though.
"“I mean, we’re winning more without him so I don’t know really,”"
Real funny, Kuz.
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Expect updates every day regarding Lonzo’s health until he’s back.