CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hornets guard LaMelo Ball left Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter with a left ankle injury.
The Hornets said he will not return to the game.
Ball had just made a 3-pointer off one foot and was backpedaling down the court when he stepped on Jarred Vanderbilt‘s foot and fell backward, hitting his head hard on the floor. Ball then got up, intentionally fouled to stop the clock and walked directly to the locker room under his own power with a slight limp.
Ball has had a history of ankle injuries since being drafted by the Hornets with the third pick in 2020. He has been wearing braces this season to help protect his ankles.
Ball, who had been averaging a career-best 28.9 points this campaign, scored seven points in nine minutes before the injury.