The Los Angeles Lakers wrap up their three-game homestand with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings in which they will again be shorthanded for. Brandon Ingram has already been ruled out because of experiencing concussion-like symptoms, and Lonzo Ball is listed as doubtful.
Ball suffered a left knee contusion in last Wednesday’s contest against the Dallas Mavericks, and was considered day-to-day after undergoing an MRI that didn’t reveal any further injury. He missed the team’s next game.
The injury is in the same knee Ball suffered a sprained MCL that unexpectedly sidelined him for six weeks. Ball maintained the latest malaise wasn’t serious or something he was concerned by.
After Sunday, the Lakers have just six games remaining on their schedule. On the horizon is a road-home back-to-back that begins Tuesday. Considering past history in handling Ball’s injuries, it wouldn’t come as a complete surprise if the rookie doesn’t play again this season.
Ball is averaging 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. Despite also missing time due to a shoulder injury, he leads the team in assists and steals (1.7). If Ball is unable to play Sunday, it would mean missing a second matchup with fellow rookie De’Aaron Fox.
Seemingly to better prepare themselves to withstand the likely absence of their starting point guard, the Lakers reversed course and did not have Alex Caruso join South Bay for their G League playoff game on Saturday.
Had Caruso done so, he was due back in Los Angeles on Sunday, meaning a stretch of three games in three days. The daunting prospect was nonetheless something he fully embraced after scoring six points to go along with four rebounds and six assists in 31 minutes of action against the Milwaukee Bucks.
