LAMELO BALL

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball was helped off the court and into the locker room after his left ankle was stepped on by a teammate during their game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Washington — who also tried to contest Smith’s shot — came down himself and stepped awkwardly on Ball’s ankle. LaMelo Ball was helped to the locker room after apparently injuring his ankle on this play. pic.twitter.com/PCuzlOVpQy — Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) January 19, 2023That sent both Ball and Washington falling to the court. Ball was then helped to the locker room without putting much weight at all on his ankle.

Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant took advantage of the NBA rule book, wasting 27 seconds of clock in peculiar fashion against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.

Nikola Jokic had 40 points and a career-high 27 rebounds in yet another triple-double to help the Denver Nuggets beat the Charlotte Hornets 119-115 on Sunday night.

LaMelo Ball will take the court against the Detroit Pistons after a month-long ankle injury, the Charlotte Hornets announced Wednesday. Ball missed 13 games after sustaining a Grade 2 sprain during a preseason game on Oct. 10 when he stepped on the foot of Wizards forward Anthony Gill on a drive and rolled his left ankle. Ball, the 2021 NBA rookie of the year, is coming off his first All-Star appearance last season. The 21-year-old is averaging 19.3 points on 41.5% field goal percentage and seven assists in his three appearances this year. The Hornets (7-20) are currently two games ahead of the Pistons with the second worst record in the Eastern conference.

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball re-injured his ankle in Wednesday night's game against the Indiana Pacers when he ran toward the sideline and stepped on a fan's foot.

Ball was trying to save a ball from going out of bounds when he stepped on a seated fan’s foot near the Hornets bench as he tried to brace himself from going into the crowd. It’s the same ankle that caused Ball to miss a portion of the preseason and the first 13 games of the regular season. This was Ball's third game back since his initial ankle injury in the preseason, but his first at home. Earlier in the day, the Hornets also announced first-round draft pick Mark Williams suffered an ankle injury while playing for the G League's Greensboro Swarm. Terry Rozier also missed seven games with an ankle injury.

LaMelo Ball’s first home game of the season didn’t go anywhere near as well as the All-Star point guard hoped.

The Charlotte Hornets are once again holding their breath on LaMelo Ball. The star point guard exited Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers after rolling his ankle on the foot of a courtside fan late in the fourth quarter. Ball did not return to the game, a 125-113 loss for the Hornets. Ball, who finished the game with 26 points, six assists and four turnovers, was in clear pain as soon as his foot landed:LaMelo Ball just rolled his left ankle stepping on the foot of a fan sitting courtside. Ball sustained the injury during preseason and ended up missing the Hornets' first 13 games.

Despite strong plays by Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter, Jr., Orlando Magic lost its Monday night match against the Charlotte Hornets 105-112, bringing the team to ten losses for the season.

The team announced on Saturday that injured point guard LaMelo Ball has been upgraded to questionable for Saturday night's game against the Miami Heat, which means it's possible he could make his long-awaited season debut. LaMelo Ball apparently went down with a left ankle injury vs. the Wizards. Without Ball, they're 3-10. The season is long, so there's a lot of time for the Hornets to catch up, but to do that they need Ball back and healthy. Losing Ball for the start of the season has not helped the Hornets erase the end of the previous season, or chase away the playoff ghosts that have been haunting them.

By Mike Barner, RotoWireSpecial to Yahoo SportsWe've seen star players miss plenty of games because of injuries this fantasy season, including James Harden (foot), LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Kawhi Leonard (knee). In that case, it can make sense to fill out your bench by stashing players now who could be one injury away from being significant fantasy contributors. Despite only playing 16 minutes per game this season, he’s provided averages of 8.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 0.9 steals. If he were to miss any significant stretch of games again, Jones would vault to another level in fantasy. Adding Fultz now could pay off for fantasy managers who need a boost in assists.

LaMelo Ball left a preseason game on Monday with an ankle injury and is expected to miss the start of the regular season with a Grade 2 sprain, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports. He stepped on the foot of Wizards forward Anthony Gill on a drive and rolled his left ankle. LaMelo Ball apparently went down with a left ankle injury vs. the Wizards. LaMelo heading to the locker room after rolling his left ankle after coming down on a Wizards player. Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis also left the game with an ankle sprain.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets breathed a sigh of relief Tuesday after an MRI on All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball confirmed the initial diagnosis of a sprained left ankle and revealed no significant long-term injury. Ball left Monday night’s game after Washington’s Anthony Gill stepped on his foot while he was driving toward the basket. Clifford said Terry Rozier would start at point guard if Ball is out for the season opener. "Terry was the starting point guard on a team (the Boston Celtics in 2017-18) that went to the Eastern Conference finals," Clifford said. “We talked about whatever the plan is, you have to be on the rehab,” Clifford said.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets say All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball will have an MRI on Tuesday on his injured left ankle. Ball left Monday night’s game with what the team called a left ankle sprain after his foot was stepped on by Washington’s Anthony Gill as he was driving toward the basket. Hornets head coach Steve Clifford said after practice that Ball and injured center Mason Plumlee (foot) will not travel with the team to Philadelphia for Wednesday night’s preseason finale. Clifford said Terry Rozier would start at point guard if Ball is out for the season opener. "Terry was the starting point guard on a team (the Boston Celtics in 2017-18) that went to the Eastern Conference finals," Clifford said.

The Charlotte Hornets say All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball will have an MRI on his injured left ankle.

LaMelo Ball left a preseason game on Monday with an ankle injury, leaving the Charlotte Hornets unclear about his status with the start of the regular season looming. He stepped on the foot of Wizards forward Anthony on a drive and rolled his left ankle. LaMelo Ball apparently went down with a left ankle injury vs. the Wizards. LaMelo heading to the locker room after rolling his left ankle after coming down on a Wizards player. Ball wasn't the only star to injure his ankle in the game.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) — Charlotte Hornets All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball sprained his left ankle in the third quarter of a preseason game against the Washington Wizards on Monday when his foot was stepped on while he was driving to the basket. The Hornets announced that Ball will not return to the game. Ball was driving the left side of the lane when Washington's Anthony Gill inadvertently stepped on Ball’s foot, causing the third-year pro's ankle to twist awkwardly. Ball is considered the centerpiece of the Hornets’ offense, averaging 20.1 points, 7.6 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game last season. Ball had nine points and six rebounds before leaving the game.

Charlotte Hornets All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball sprained his left ankle in the third quarter of a preseason game against the Washington Wizards when he got his foot stepped on while driving to the basket.

Miles Bridges’ future with the Charlotte Hornets remains uncertain as the team opens training camp on Tuesday.

Charlotte Hornets v Miami Heat MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. So it's odd that the Charlotte Hornets All-Star wore the number on his jersey for the first two seasons of his NBA career. I don't know who this is. I don't know who No.

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges has been arrested in Los Angeles on the eve of NBA free agency after a warrant was issued, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson to be their next head coach, says a person familiar with the situation.

The Charlotte Hornets have fired coach James Borrego.

Trae Young bounced back from a sluggish start to score 24 points and De’Andre Hunter led a third-quarter surge that carried the Atlanta Hawks to a 132-103 play-in rout of the Charlotte Hornets.

LaMelo Ball had 33 points, nine assists and seven rebounds and the Charlotte Hornets spoiled Kyrie Irving’s first home game of the season by beating the Brooklyn Nets 119-110.

Kyrie Irving hit nine 3-pointers and scored a season-high 50 points, and the Brooklyn Nets snapped a four-game skid with a 132-121 win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Terry Rozier scored 31 points and the Charlotte Hornets beat San Antonio 123-117 on Saturday night, leaving Spurs coach Gregg Popovich a victory short of tying the NBA record. San Antonio has lost four straight since beating Washington on Feb. 25 to move Popovich within one of Don Nelson’s record of 1,335 regular-season victories. LaMelo Ball added 24 points for Charlotte, P.J. Washington and Montrezl Harrell each had 15 and Mason Plumlee had 13 rebounds.

The NBA’s All-Star weekend is about fashion and fun, Saturday night slams and celebrating the very best in the game today.

(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman)The NBA All-Star Game seems to be tailor-made for Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball. “He does All-Star Game type moves in (regular season) games, so I can’t imagine what he’s going to bring out for All-Stars. For Ball, and others, playing in the All-Star game is the realization of a childhood dream. Morant was able to be with his family when he was selected to his first All-Star Game. Bridges has some advice for Morant and other All-Stars playing with his Hornets teammate on Sunday.

The NBA All-Star Game seems to be tailor-made for Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball.

Kevin Durant wanted no part of James Harden on the day their partnership in Brooklyn ended.

Lakers Hornets Basketball Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) passes the ball while guarded by Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman)CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) — Miles Bridges had 26 points, Ish Smith provided a huge boost off the bench with 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting and the Charlotte Hornets held off the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 117-114 on Friday night. Russell Westbrook scored 35 points for the Lakers, but missed a potential winning 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds left. The Hornets were coming off a game Wednesday night where they scored a franchise-record 158 points against Indiana. Hornets: Host Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

Miles Bridges had 26 points, Ish Smith provided a huge boost off the bench with 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting and the Charlotte Hornets held off the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 117-114 on Friday night.

The Charlotte Hornets broke the franchise’s single-game scoring record on Wednesday night and notched the highest point total in the NBA this season in their 158-126 rout of the Indiana Pacers.

Moritz Wagner scored a season-high 26 points, younger brother Franz added 19 points and the Orlando Magic beat the Charlotte Hornets 116-109 to snap a 10-game losing streak.

Oklahoma City rookie Josh Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double on Sunday night.

Suns Hornets Basketball Phoenix Suns forward Jalen Smith dunks over Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) (Chris Carlson)CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) — Devin Booker scored 24 points, Jalen Smith tied a career high with 19 points and 12 rebounds and the short-handed Phoenix Suns hammered the Charlotte Hornets 133-99 on Sunday night. The Suns made 17 shots from beyond the 3-point arc and outrebounded the Hornets 52-35. Despite missing more than 48 combined points per game from players who were out, the Suns bolted to a 73-47 halftime lead behind 20 points from Booker and 10-of-22 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. TIP INSSuns: Abdel Nader also is out because of health and safety protocols. Hornets: Miles Bridges had 10 points in his first game back from health and safety protocols.

Devin Booker scored 24 points, Jalen Smith tied a career high with 19 points and 12 rebounds and the short-handed Phoenix Suns hammered the Charlotte Hornets 133-99.

Devin Booker had 16 points in his return to Phoenix’s lineup and the NBA-leading Suns set a season-scoring high in a 137-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night.

Four Charlotte Hornets players, including last year’s Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball, have been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols on Saturday, an indicator they have tested positive of the coronavirus.

Terry Rozier scored 27 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. came off the bench with 21 points and six rebounds Wednesday night to help the Charlotte Hornets overcome poor shooting in a 106-99 win over the Orlando Magic.

Terry Rozier had a big jump-ball win and made two late free throws to help the Charlotte Hornets snap the Golden State Warriors’ winning streak at seven, 106-102 on Sunday night.

Richaun Holmes had 23 points and a career-best 20 rebounds and the Sacramento Kings made a franchise-record 22 3-pointers in a 140-110 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.

Miles Bridges scored 31 points, Gordon Hayward added 24 and the Charlotte Hornets beat the Orlando Magic 120-111 for their fourth win in five games.

Hornets Nets Basketball Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) drives past Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) and forward Nic Claxton (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in New York. LaMelo Ball had 18 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Hornets, but it was their backups who led them in a dominant final quarter. It was a disappointing home opener that featured demonstrators outside the arena supporting Nets guard Kyrie Irving and protesting New York's vaccine mandate. The Hornets won their first two largely through their offense, with a team-best 246 points in their first two games. It was the first time the Hornets were held below 30 in the period, having scored a league-best 69 points in the third quarter through two games.

Miles Bridges had 32 points and nine rebounds, Ish Smith added 11 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and the Charlotte Hornets improved to 3-0 for the first time by beating the Brooklyn Nets 111-95.

The Brooklyn Nets look like such a title favorite that James Harden felt the need for a reminder they aren’t a title team.

The Hornets’ coach was asked Monday about LiAngelo Ball’s absence from the training camp roster.

A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press that the Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a multiyear contract extension with coach James Borrego.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) — Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball’s versatility as a passer, scorer and rebounder earned him NBA Rookie of the Year honors Wednesday despite missing 21 games with a fractured wrist. The 6-foot-7 Ball was selected third overall in 2020 after playing professional ball in Lithuania and Australia. “A 19-year-old rookie does not look like this,” Hornets coach James Borrego said after the game. He went on to claim the NBA Rookie of the Month honors three times before injuring his wrist on March 20. “I think Melo has adjusted to the NBA game better than any of us ever thought this early in his career,” Jordan told The Associated Press in March via email in March.

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball’s versatility as a passer, scorer and rebounder earned him NBA Rookie of the Year honors despite missing 21 games with a fractured wrist.

Tom Thibodeau got the New York Knicks back to the playoffs, guiding the team to its second-best record in 20 years.

Denver’s Nikola Jokic finished ninth in the MVP voting last season.

Domantas Sabonis had 14 points, 21 rebounds and nine assists, and the short-handed Indiana Pacers routed the Charlotte Hornets 144-117 in the Eastern Conference’s first play-in game.

Terry Rozier scored 28 points, LaMelo Ball added 26 points and the Charlotte Hornets inched closer to securing a spot in the play-in tournament with a 122-112 win over the Orlando Magic.

Pistons Hornets Basketball Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, left, drives against Detroit Pistons guard Killian Hayes in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, May 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond) (Nell Redmond)CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) — LaMelo Ball returned from a 21-game absence with 11 points, leading the Charlotte Hornets to a 107-94 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. A leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, Ball had surgery to repair a broken wrist sustained on March 20. Malik Monk, who returned after a 15-game absence (ankle), joined Ball with 11 points. Pistons: Detroit started three rookies — Bey, Hayes, and Isaiah Stewart.

LaMelo Ball returned from a 21-game absence with 11 points, leading the Charlotte Hornets to a 107-94 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been cleared to return to individual basketball activity after having a cast removed from his right wrist.

The NBA says the rate of players needing to miss games because of injuries is down from last season and within the normal range for what the league has seen over the last five seasons.

Gordon Hayward will miss at least a month after spraining his right foot during the Charlotte Hornets’ win Friday night over the Indiana Pacers.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball holds his right wrist during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. Ball is expected to miss the rest of the season due to a broken right wrist, according to a person familiar with the situation. He appeared to be hurt after a fall in the Hornets' 125-98 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball is expected to miss the remainder of the NBA season due to a broken right wrist, according to a person familiar with the situation. Ball appeared to be hurt after a fall in the Hornets’ 125-98 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, celebrates with forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in San Francisco, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)SAN FRANCISCO – Do-everything Draymond Green vowed to make up for losing his cool and costing Golden State a win at Charlotte last weekend. Terry Rozier made an off-balance jumper from the left corner as time expired for a 102-100 win by the Hornets. The Warriors have won three straight after having consecutive victories seven different times previously without winning a third in a row. It's the first matchup between the opponents this season and Charlotte has won three straight over the Kings.

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dunks against the Charlotte Hornets in the second half during an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, in Salt Lake City. Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz enjoyed another record-breaking performance from long range Monday night in a 132-110 victory against the Hornets. The Jazz set their previous mark for 3s with 26 in the first meeting between the teams on Feb. 5. Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball each scored 21 points to lead the Hornets. Jazz: Utah became the fastest team in NBA history to make 500 3-pointers in a season, reaching the milestone in just 31 games.

“He crossed the line, that's the main thing,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said about Green, who has a history of in-game outbursts. Green did not participate in the Warriors' videoconference call after the game. Kerr said Green was apologetic after the game, but he will speak to him in private more about the incident. Washington finished with 15 points to help the Hornets overcame a season-high 25 turnovers to beat the Warriors without Stephen Curry. For the Warriors, it was their second tough loss in two nights after falling the Orlando Magic 124-120.

Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward, left, looks to pass against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. Hayward took the road less traveled this offseason when he opted out of his contract with the high-profile Celtics and chose to come to Charlotte to take on a more prominent role and the opportunity to help build a young Hornets team into a playoff contender. When the Hornets need a basket in the fourth quarter, they often defer to Hayward. “It seems like yesterday that I was these guys — I was the young guy,” Hayward said with a laugh. Hayward said his sole focus is on helping the Hornets end a four-year playoff drought.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Magic rookie point guard Cole Anthony is getting more comfortable the more he plays in the NBA. Anthony’s comfort level showed Monday night when he posted a career-best scoring performance and outplayed fellow rookie guard LaMelo Ball. Anthony scored a career-best 21 points and got plenty of help from center Nikola Vucevic’s 13th double-double of the season as the Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets 117-108 to snap a two-game slide. Devonte Graham had 21 for Charlotte, which lost to the Magic for the fifth time in six meetings. “We had good momentum going into halftime and for whatever reason we came out flat in the third quarter,” Charlotte coach James Borrego said.

Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) fouls Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – LaMelo Ball isn't wasting any time making an impact in the NBA. “I live my life and I know what I’m capable of, so stuff like doesn’t move me like that," Ball said. “I know that's supposed to happen.”Ball replaced Markelle Fultz as the youngest NBA player to record a triple-double by 177 days. He became only the fifth rookie in NBA history to record a triple-double and the first Hornets player to do it coming off the bench.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots past Oklahoma City Thunder center Al Horford (42) in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – LaMelo Ball grew up playing 3-on-3 games against his older brother Lonzo on a concrete court in the backyard of their parents’ home in Chino Hills, California. It was something you had to witness for real.”That is where the Ball brothers learned to compete — and first dreamed of playing in the NBA. But the battle of the Ball brothers is one of the most high-profile sibling matchups ever. While they took different paths — Lonzo went to play at UCLA while LaMelo went overseas to play professionally — Lonzo was the No.

1 overall pick in the NBA draft on Nov. 18, 2020. After multiple delays, the NBA draft finally arrives Wednesday. The draft is usually held in June in New York, where Adam Silver announces the first-round picks. It's not the draft night they wanted, but the excitement of becoming a pro player won't diminish. But at the same time, this extra time, it’s only helping me,” said forward Obi Toppin, the national college player of the year from Dayton.