According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Lakers have opted to shut down Lonzo Ball for the rest of the season after the second year guard had his ankle re-evaluated by doctors on Saturday.
The 21-year-old Ball originally suffered a grade-three ankle sprain against the Houston Rockets on January 19. In addition Ball also has a bone bruise on his left ankle as well.
With 17 games remaining for the Lakers who are well out of playoff contention in the West today’s decision seemed like a no-brainer.
In his second season with the Lakers, Ball averaged 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. Additionally, the second-round pick out of UCLA also picked up 40.6 percent from the field, 32.9 percent from beyond the arc and 41.7 percent from the free-throw line.
Since getting hurt, the Lakers have gone just 5-13 without Ball which made matters worse when LeBron James was also dealing with a hamstring injury.
Needless to say, this season can’t end soon enough for the Purple and Gold.
