After losing their first eight games without Lonzo Ball, the Los Angeles Lakers have responded with back-to-back wins as their starting point guard remains sidelined by a sprained left knee. While Ball managed to play through the initial tweak of his knee, he’s missed three straight games.
Other than working out on a treadmill over the weekend, the rookie hasn’t completed much activity since an MRI revealed the sprain. “They did more with him [Saturday] than the day before, and he said he feels good,” Lakers head coach Luke Walton said Sunday. “But he’s still out.
“Whether they’re looking at it day-to-day or not, I get the call from the training staff telling me if he will be ready to practice or play, which obviously is not the case yet.
“I don’t expect him back (soon). I mean, I haven’t seen him on the court doing anything. But they’re taking it day-by-day to see when the knee starts feeling better.”
The Lakers did not hold practice Monday, and considering the general lack of progress, it’s unlikely Ball would participate in shootaround and return Tuesday night for a matchup with the Boston Celtics.
After that, the Lakers have two off days followed by the start of a five-game road trip. Whether Ball joins them is uncertain. “Possibility, yes,” answered Walton when asked if Ball would travel.
“But I would expect him on our road trip. Whether he plays or not, that all depends on the knee. We’re not going to rush him back. Once that gets better we’ll get him back on the court.”
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