Report: LaMelo to miss extended period with serious ankle sprain

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is set to miss an extended period of time after sustaining a serious ankle sprain, sources told The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

The Hornets are reportedly taking a cautious approach with Ball. He injured the same ankle he fractured in February, which ended his 2022-23 season early.

However, recent tests reportedly show the 22-year-old avoided another fracture.

Ball suffered the latest injury Monday against the Orlando Magic. The former Rookie of the Year fell awkwardly after his layup was contested by Magic forward Paolo Banchero with just under two-and-a-half minutes to play in the second quarter.

The fourth-year guard is registering a career- and team-high 24.7 points per game through 15 matchups this season on rounded 44/39/86 shooting splits. He’s also averaging 8.2 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals.

The Hornets are 5-10 and 2.5 games out of a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. They head into their final In-Season Tournament group-stage game Tuesday against the New York Knicks with a slim chance of advancing to the knockout round. However, Charlotte needs to win by at least 40 points and see a host of other results go its way in order to progress.

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