Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball has missed seven consecutive games since injuring his left knee against the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 13.
While the initial diagnosis revealed a left knee sprain, it was later explained that Ball suffered a sprained MCL. Such an injury typically requires one to three weeks for recovery, which the rookie point guard is square in the middle of.
Head coach Luke Walton expressed optimism in a quick return to the lineup for Ball, but reiterated the team would not rush him.
The 20-year-old may be inching closer, however, as he continued going through basketball-related activities with the team. According to Mike Bresnahan of Spectrum SportsNet, Ball participated in a limited practice on Monday, but his timetable for getting back into a game is still uncertain:
Lakers did not have a full practice today but Lonzo Ball did spot shooting, weightlifting and also received treatment on his sprained left knee.
It’s unclear if Lonzo will practice Tuesday.
Lakers’ next game is Wednesday at Orlando.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) January 30, 2018
Despite Ball’s extended absence, the Lakers are playing some of their best basketball of the season. The team is 4-3 over their last seven games, and have won four of their last five contests against a handful of playoff contenders.
During the Lakers’ most recent home stand, they picked up impressive wins against the rival Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. L.A. carried a season-high tying four-game winning streak into Sunday and additionally had two double-digit victories during the span.
After a loss to the Toronto Raptors, the Lakers look to get back into the win column on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. They’ll then face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday and Oklahoma City Thunder on Super Bowl Sunday to round out a five-game road trip.
