Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball suffered a fractured ankle on a strange-looking play in Monday’s win over the Detroit Pistons.
The point guard went behind the back with the ball on a defender and stepped back, possibly eyeing a three-pointer. But when Ball planted his right leg, it collapsed and he fell, immediately grabbing his leg.
The Hornets reported he had a fractured right ankle.
LaMelo Ball headed back to the locker room after awkwardly falling on this play. pic.twitter.com/wirzYaHCZN
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 28, 2023
Ball averaged just over 23 points and 8 assists per game this season, but just like that, his third season in Charlotte is almost certainly finished. Before he fractured his ankle, Ball sprained his left ankle multiple times this season.
You don’t need to be a basketball Nostradamus to instinctively know that Ball is counting the days until his rookie contract expires and he can take off in free agency for a contender in a major market (hello, Los Angeles Lakers), where his flashy game and likable personality could make him a megastar.
NBA fans turned to Twitter to share their views on Ball’s misfortune.
This is a very odd mechanism to suffer an ankle fracture.
Maybe it’s actually to the fibula near the ankle?
Or it’s an avulsion fracture (small piece of bone attached to a tendon/ligament breaks off)? https://t.co/aecPLtELpv
— Inside Injuries (@InsideInjuries) February 28, 2023
Something is up with the courts
— Allenownz (@Allenownz) February 28, 2023
Noooooooo! One of my fav players in the game! Hope he has a speedy recovery!
— Ramaj Eroc (@RamajEroc) February 28, 2023
The tough season for the Ball brothers continues. Hope LaMelo & Lonzo can get healthy & be ready to go at full speed next season. https://t.co/S0A9kv9Bhy
— Mark Schanowski (@MarkSchanowski) February 28, 2023
[Charlotte Hornets/Shams Charania]
