CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been ruled out for the rest of the year, the team announced Friday.
Ball was already listed as out for Friday’s game in Toronto with a right ankle impingement after last playing in Tuesday’s night’s home loss to the Magic. The team said he will undergo arthroscopic surgery the ankle and also will have a procedure on his right wrist.
ESPN first reported the news earlier in the afternoon.
The 23-year-old former All-Star has dealt with ankle injuries throughout his career. This season, he has played in 47 out of a possible 72 games, and has only played in more than 50 games once (2021-22) in five seasons.
Ball missed seven straight games starting in late November then five more after an injury against the Lakers Jan. 31.
Ball was averaging a career-high 25.2 points per game despite shooting a career-low 40.5 percent from the field, plus 4.9 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
The Hornets are 18-54 heading into Friday’s game. They currently have the third-worst record in the NBA, which places them among the best odds for landing the No. 1 pick in the Draft Lottery.