The Charlotte Hornets will not have the services of their star LaMelo Ball for the remainder of the season, according to ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania. The 23-year-old guard must undergo "two minor procedures to address ankle and wrist issues. "
Ball was having his best year this season, averaging a career-high 25.2 points per game. Injuries have been an issue throughout the 6-foot-7, 180-pound playmaker's career.
In his two previous seasons, Ball played only 58 games. Out of Charlotte's 72 games this year, he played in 47. Charania noted in his social media post breaking Ball's injury news that he "showed toughness, playing through pain in recent weeks, before he and his team consulted doctors on the best course forward."
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball will miss the rest of the season as he undergoes two minor procedures to address ankle and wrist issues, sources tell ESPN. Ball showed toughness, playing through pain in recent weeks, before he and team consulted doctors on best course forward. pic.twitter.com/PrpWrjaXuW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 28, 2025
The Hornets are just 18-54 this season, which is the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference, only ahead of the 16-57 Washington Wizards. Charlotte has already been eliminated from playoff contention, with 10 games left to play this season.
In a follow-up post, Charania continued to expand on the developing story that "team doctors and outside specialists concluded that the two procedures will allow Ball to heal and have a full offseason."
After Charania's post, the Hornets shared the announcement on social media, noting that "LaMelo Ball will undergo arthroscopic surgery to address a right ankle impingement. He will also have a minor procedure on his right wrist. Ball is listed as out for tonight's game vs TOR and will miss the remainder of the season."
In 2023, Ball had surgery on his right ankle.
Looking ahead to June, Charlotte has three picks, one first and two second-round, in the 2025 NBA Draft.
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This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 5:19 PM.