LaMelo Ball Injury Update: Will Lamelo Ball Play Tonight?
LaMelo Ball left the Charlotte Hornets game against the Toronto Raptors on December 5 with a left ankle injury and did not return. The injury happened in the third quarter when he appeared to roll his left ankle while attacking the basket then headed to the locker room and was ruled out soon after.
The team later listed the issue as left ankle soreness which usually means they did not immediately see severe damage but still wanted to be cautious. Before leaving the floor he had scored in double figures and was running the offense well which made his exit a big blow for Charlotte in that game.
This new problem adds to a worrying pattern for Ball. He has dealt with ankle issues in multiple recent seasons and those problems have already cost him long stretches of games. In the past he has suffered sprains and a fracture and at one point needed surgery on his right ankle.
The current injury is on his left ankle so it is not the same joint that required surgery but repeated problems on either side always raise concern for long term durability. Because of this history the Hornets medical staff tends to be more conservative whenever he shows any sign of ankle trouble.
Early reports after the Raptors game suggested that the Hornets would monitor him over the next few days rather than making any quick decision about his return. The wording around his status pointed toward a day to day situation instead of an immediate long term shutdown though that can always change if swelling or pain increases after further tests.
Official injury reports usually list players as questionable doubtful or out as the next game approaches so his label there will give the clearest short term signal. Without that updated sheet in front it is only safe to say that he was not cleared to return on the night of the injury and remained under evaluation.
On the court his absence is a major issue for Charlotte. Ball is the primary creator for the Hornets offense and typically provides around twenty points per game along with strong assist numbers and solid rebounding for a guard.
When he is out the team loses its main pick and roll playmaker its best transition passer and one of its most confident shot creators late in the clock. That forces other players to handle more of the offense which can be a problem against stronger defenses. Brandon Miller and the other guards usually have to pick up extra ball handling along with more shot attempts which changes their roles and can affect their efficiency.
There is also a bigger picture angle around his health. LaMelo Ball is the face of the Hornets and a central piece of the franchise plan for the next several years. Because of that the organization has every reason to think long term rather than pushing him back for a random regular season game in December.
Even if the current injury is only soreness or a mild sprain playing through it too soon could increase the risk of another twist or a more serious issue later. With his track record of ankle problems the safest approach for the team is often to rest him until both pain and swelling are under control and he can move freely in practice drills without setbacks.
In short the latest known situation is that Ball hurt his left ankle against the Raptors was ruled out with left ankle soreness and is being treated as a short term day to day concern but with extra caution because of his history. Any new scan results or status changes after that would come from updated team reports which are outside the current snapshot of information.
Disclaimer:
The information in this update is based on current reports following LaMelo Ball's injury on December 5, 2025. Injury statuses may change over time, and official updates will be provided by the Charlotte Hornets as new information becomes available. The details provided here are for informational purposes and are subject to change based on further medical evaluations and team announcements. Always refer to official team reports for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
