LaMelo Ball Injury: Hornets Star Has Chance For Quicker Return After 3rd Ankle Sprain

Hornets' all-star point guard LaMelo Ball had to be helped off the floor and was ruled out after he suffered a left ankle sprain in the third quarter on Wednesday night.

The 21-year-old has sprained his left ankle three times since October and the repeated damage to the ligaments has created laxity that could help shorten his upcoming absence, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.

Ball missed the first 13 games of the season after he stepped on Anthony Gill's foot on October 11.

He played in three games before he suffered his second sprain on November 16 when he stepped on a fan's foot chasing a loose ball and sat the next 11 games.

As with fellow all-star guards prone to rolled ankles, including Stephen Curry, Trae Young, and Jimmy Butler, every additional sprain causes less ligament and tendon damage because there is less unaffected tissue. 

Ball has played in his signature PUMA sneakers since the beginning of the 2021-22 season and wears both low-top and high-stop styles. 

In 21 games entering Wednesday night, the former No. 2 overall pick has averaged 24 points and 8.4 assists on 20.5 shots, all career highs. 

After their win over the Rockets, the Hornets are 6-16 when Ball plays and 6-18 when he is out and would be tied for the best draft lottery odds if the season ended today.