Charlotte Hornets guard Lamelo Ball is having his career season statistically, but basketball gods can sometimes be merciless.
The fourth-year guard was forced out of the second quarter of their game against the Orlando Magic due to an ankle strain.
Ball suffered the injury while driving to the basket against Paolo Banchero at the 2:33 mark of the quarter. There was no contact during the play, but Ball was stopped by pain when the Magic player fell on him. He limped and was never sent back in.
The team lost the game against the Magic, 117-130.
The Hornets LaMelo Ball will continue to miss games, although fans can sigh in relief as the star guard avoided structural damage. He will undergo an MRI to confirm the severity of his injury.
Fans are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. Can't blame the fans for feeling that way because their star has dealt with injuries that laid him off for quite a long time.
A short history of LaMelo Ball's injury since joining the Hornets in 2020:
1. Fractured wrist on rookie season (March 2021)
A fractured wrist first bothered Ball in the latter part of his rookie season after hurting it in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He immediately went under an MRI and had a successful surgery in the same month.
He eventually came back on May 1 and helped the Hornets in the win against the Detroit Pistons by recording 11 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.
In that rookie season, he also dealt with hip contusion from time to time.
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2. Freaky ankle injury (November 2022)
The 2021-2022 season went by without significant setbacks for LaMelo. He had, however, an injury scare early into the season after he stepped on the foot of a courtside fan in a loss to the New York Knicks. He missed some games because of that injury.
He eventually returned to the lineup and proved why he was a third-overall pick. He made his All-Star debut as an injury replacement for Kevin Durant.
3. Season-ending ankle injury (February 2023)
It happened away from the ball. The former Chino Hills stand-out was commanding the offense of the Hornets against the Pistons as usual.
He tried to escape the opponents' defense in the third quarter by dribbling behind the back. His move was not completed as he fell to the ground. He did not return to the game.
It was later confirmed to be a right ankle fracture, and team officials announced he would miss the rest of the season to recover.
4. Ankle injury again (November 2023)
Just when everyone thought Ball was now healthy, he went down again in a non-contact play. Sunday's injury against the Magic is the latest setback.
There are no words yet from the Hornets organization on whether he will see a long recovery time.
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