How long is LaMelo Ball out? Ankle injury timeline, return date, latest updates for Hornets star

After missing the first 13 games of the season due to an ankle injury, LaMelo Ball caught an unlucky break in a loss to the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 16. 

Ball exited the game in the final two minutes after rolling his ankle when he accidentally stepped on the foot of a courtside fan as he attempted a steal. 

INJURY UPDATE: @hornets guard LaMelo Ball left the game late in tonight’s loss to IND with a L Ankle Sprain and did not return.

— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) November 17, 2022

What’s next for Ball? Here is what we know about his injury and when he could return to the floor for the Hornets.

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What is LaMelo Ball’s injury?

Ball tweaked the same ankle that kept him sidelined for the first 13 games of the season after landing on the fan’s foot and immediately began limping before heading to the locker room.  

According to the Hornets, he has been diagnosed with a left ankle sprain. 

🚨LaMelo Ball leaves the game after rolling his ankle on a fans foot sitting courtside.

(Same ankle that caused him to miss the start of the season.)

VIDEO
👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/IZ4amvdbnR

— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) November 17, 2022

Ball was enjoying his best game since returning from injury, scoring 16 of his 26 points in the second half. 

He finished with 26 points, six assists, one rebound, and two steals on 10-of-17 shooting from the field and 5-of-8 shooting from the 3-point line. 

How long will LaMelo Ball be out?

Ball has only played three games since suffering a Grade 2 left ankle sprain in the preseason, however, at this stage, it’s unclear if Ball will miss any games. 

“Hopefully it’s not bad,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. “I’m sure we won’t really know anything until (Thursday).”

Hornets schedule 2022-23

The Hornets’ next game comes on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, Nov. 18.