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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers News: Lonzo Ball ‘Very, Very Motivated’ To Overcome Back-To-Back Injury-Plagued Seasons
Lakers News

Lakers News: Lonzo Ball ‘Very, Very Motivated’ To Overcome Back-To-Back Injury-Plagued Seasons

Matthew Moreno
Published: 03/13/2019
3 Min Read
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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After showing flashes of promise, Lonzo Ball had his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers cut short due to a knee injury. He eventually underwent surgery during the offseason, which impacted his workouts and growth for a sophomore campaign.

Ball nonetheless remained committed to the weight room, and arrived for the start of training camp with a reshaped physique that earned him praise from the Lakers front office and head coach Luke Walton. Ball was eased into action but thrust into a larger role when Rajon Rondo was suspended.

He again proved to be a valuable asset to the Lakers, spearheading their defense and helping LeBron James push the pace on offense. Just as Ball was playing the best basketball of his young career, he suffered a Grade 3 sprained left ankle and bone bruise.

He’s been sidelined since sustaining the injury Jan. 19, and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. With another year cut short due to injury, Ball discussed his laser-like focus moving forward, via Shams Charania of The Athletic:

“I’m very, very motivated,” Ball told The Athletic. “I want to be the best I can be. I’m looking forward to this summer. I don’t look at it as added pressure, because I haven’t had a full summer yet to dedicate to myself. I have to keep working on my craft. I’m just happy that I’m going to be healthy.

“It’s been frustrating. This is the second year that this has happened. But I have to stay positive, stay motivated.”

Ball was initially projected to miss four to six weeks while recovering from his sprained ankle, but the discovery of a bone bruise delayed the timeline. Upon being re-evaluated over the weekend, the Lakers said Ball was continuing to recover and would be re-evaluated again in two weeks.

Assuming the Lakers do officially rule out Ball returning, he will finish the season averaging 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 47 games (45 starts). Ball appeared in 52 games, making 50 starts, as a rookie.

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TAGGED:Lonzo BallLos Angeles Lakers
ByMatthew Moreno
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
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