Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball will be sidelined 4-6 weeks because of a left ankle sprain suffered against the Houston Rockets.
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a disappointing loss on Saturday night against the Houston Rockets. After defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first game of their road trip, the young Lakers showed they were up to the challenge to face off against some of the best the Western Conference has to offer.
Without LeBron James and Rajon Rondo in the lineup, production has been inconsistent for the Lakers. However, they played well against the Thunder and were playing very well against the Rockets as well. However, things quickly unraveled in the third quarter.
Up by 15 points, Lonzo Ball drove and kicked out to a teammate. While driving, he sprained his ankle pretty badly.
Ball had to be helped off the court by teammates to the locker room. Los Angeles would go on to lose the game against the Rockets in overtime, as they were unable to overcome Ball’s loss compiled on top of James and Rondo. Head coach Luke Walton would also get ejected 2:30 minutes later in the game.
The Lakers fought right to the end, ultimately coming up just short in overtime. Houston won the game 138-134, but Los Angeles lost a lot more than just the game.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Ball will be sidelined 4-6 weeks because of a Grade 3 left ankle sprain.
Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball will miss 4-to-6 weeks with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 20, 2019
This injury could not have come at a worse time for the Lakers. They have a huge matchup looming with the Golden State Warriors tonight and they could be without their three best playmakers.
James and Rondo returned to practice on Sunday, but their return to the court is still up in the air. The Ball injury is something that could force the Lakers’ hand, but expect them to still take their time with their veterans. They won’t play them until they are 100 percent healthy and ready to return.
Earlier today, Luke Walton said Rajon Rondo and LeBron James will practice tomorrow, but he isn’t sure when/if they’ll return to game action. Next step is seeing how practice goes.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 20, 2019
While all three are sidelined, the Lakers will have to adjust their lineup, again. Josh Hart could be re-inserted into the lineup with Brandon Ingram taking over point guard duties.
Whatever Walton decides, this is a huge loss for the Lakers. Ball’s impact as a playmaker and defender will not be easy to replace.
Hopefully, the return of James and Rondo will help offset Ball’s loss, but the Lakers will have to patiently wait, once again, for their full allotment of players to return before the team truly takes off.