LaMelo Ball injury update: Hornets star breaks right ankle in win over Pistons

The Charlotte Hornets reported that LaMelo Ball injured his right ankle during Monday's win over the Detroit Pistons. The action occurred with the Hornets in a double-digit lead in the third quarter. Ball tried a behind-the-back dribble while holding the basketball. He was in great pain after that and dropped to the ground. He walked away from the game and didn't come back. Despite the Hornets' shaky 117-106 victory, their fourth consecutive victory, Ball's injury dampens whatever goodwill this streak may have brought. Ball leads the Hornets in both points (23.4) and assists (8.5) per game this year, and his 3.9 3-pointers made per game rank fourth in the NBA, only behind Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson. This season, Charlotte was already out of the postseason picture. The team wants Ball to be its cornerstone going forward, so his history of ankle issues is still a concern. Ball missed the first 13 games of this season because of an injured left ankle; however, in his third game back, he twisted that ankle and ended up missing an additional 11 games. The Hornets have very nothing left to play for this season at 20-43. Ball is unlikely to play this season since they will likely be as careful as they can be as he recovers from his injury. Nevertheless, Ball may extend his deal this offseason, and the Hornets haven't advanced to the playoffs since that time.All parties concerned must now pray that Ball's injuries don't repeat beyond the current season, which is a major setback.