Hornets G LaMelo Ball helped off with right ankle injury

Field Level Media|published: Mon 27th November, 08:36 2023

Nov 22, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks on during a time out in the second half against the Washington Wizards at the Spectrum Center. credits: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, who missed several months last season with a fractured right ankle, had to be helped off the court after suffering a right ankle injury Sunday night against the host Orlando Magic.

Late in the second quarter of the Hornets' 130-117 loss, Ball drove to the lane and made a left-handed layup over Magic forward Paolo Banchero. Ball appeared to land awkwardly on his right leg and needed assistance to the locker room.

Before the injury, Ball scored seven points on 3-of-6 shooting and added two assists in 15 minutes of action. Ball came into the game averaging career highs in points (25.9) and assists (8.6) along with 5.8 rebounds in 14 games this season.

Ball, 22, was ruled out for the rest of the season in February with a fractured right ankle and was limited to 51 games as a rookie due to injuries.

In four seasons with the Hornets, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 draft averages 20.0 points, 7.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds in 176 games (156 starts).

—Field Level Media