LaMelo Ball has been ruled out of the Charlotte Hornets' game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday due to a left ankle sprain, the team announced.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball left the game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter with a left ankle injury. He will not return.

The Nets (14-33) sit just two games back of the Hornets (12-31) in the Cooper Flagg Sweepstakes, and if Ball doesn’t play Wednesday, it makes it more likely that the Nets will beat them. Charlotte could also lose more games going forward if Ball, their leading scorer, misses extended time.

It was an entertaining night at Spectrum Center despite the game ending in a 112-107 loss for the Charlotte Hornets against the visiting Los Angeles Lakers. L.

A new year has meant a new LaMelo Ball. The Charlotte Hornets' do-it-all point guard has developed a pragmatic approach to his game in 2025 that has paid dividends in the standings and on the stat sheet.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball sprained his left ankle in the second quarter of a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

LaMelo Ball scored 25 points, Miles Bridges had 22 and the Charlotte Hornets beat the New Orleans Pelicans 123-92 on Saturday night.

Charlotte, which has now won five of its past eight games, dominated against Zion Williamson and the Pelicans.

The Hornets are trying to sort out how to best deal with an evolving lineup, particularly if guard LaMelo Ball isn't ready to play following his latest ailment. The Hornets have lost three of their last four games, with the 112-107 setback to the visiting Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

Fantasy Impact: A trade to Milwaukee would be a mixed bag for LaVine’s fantasy outlook. While his usage rate would likely dip playing alongside two superstars, his efficiency could see a major boost. He’d get more open looks and less defensive attention, sustaining his fantasy value as an early-to-mid-round asset.

It took him a little while to get acclimated, but Josh Okogie has arrived. The Charlotte Hornets added him to help match salaries with the Phoenix Suns when they traded Nick Richards and initially were reportedly looking at flipping him.