Lakers News: Lonzo Ball Still Bothered By Sore Shoulder But Eager To Return

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read


Lonzo Ball was a full participant in Thursday’s practice but the Los Angeles Lakers said he remains questionable to play against the Charlotte Hornets. Ball has missed the past six games due to a sprained left shoulder.

“I felt pretty good. It was my first official practice back,” Ball said. “I was wondering how guys were going to come in with the loss that we had yesterday, but everybody came in and got after it. I was happy to be out here with them.”

The Lakers have lost each of their games without Ball, eight in a row overall and 11 of their past 12. Lakers head coach Luke Walton remarked that Thursday’s practice was physical, and he was encouraged by the effort and focus from the team as well as Ball’s play.

For Ball, getting through the session was considered a win, even if he was feeling the effects afterward. “A little sore right now,” Ball said of state of his shoulder.

“But like I said, I was happy to be out there and finish the whole thing without coming out.”

Playing through discomfort in the shoulder may be something Ball has to adjust to. “It’s not 100 (percent) but it’s manageable,” he said. “I’m out there playing and just happy to be back for the most part.”

Ball anticipates the most trouble he’ll have is when contact is made with his left shoulder, but added it won’t require him to adjust his shooting motion or style of play.

One benefit that’s come from Ball sitting out the stretch of games is Walton noted he’s become more of a vocal leader. Though, the soft-spoken rookie much prefers to let his play do the talking.

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com