Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball will miss 4-6 weeks after he was diagnosed with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain on Sunday. The 21-year-old suffered the injury in game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday.
Ball collided with Houston’s James Ennis during the game and was immediately whisked off the field and taken to a local hospital. An early X-ray report showed the guard suffered no fractures but after further examinations, Ball was diagnosed with a Grade 3 sprain on his left ankle.
With several members of the Lakers out with injuries, Ball’s sprain is a big blow to the team. The injury is also a hit to the youngster who is having a great season overall. In the last three games before Saturday, Ball averaged 16.7 points, 8 assists and 7.7 rebounds. Before he got injured, the 21-year-old had already scored eight points and 11 assists in three quarters.
While Ball’s injury is a big concern for the Lakers, the absence of Lebron James and Rajon Rondo makes it even more frustrating for Lakers’ fans. James has been out since Christmas but said early this week he feels ready to practice again.
But even if James comes back, the Lakers will face an uphill battle without Ball. The team is scheduled to play the Warriors twice, the Sixers twice, the Pacers and the Lakers in the next four weeks.
