LaMelo Ball echoes LeBron James with “I heard it pop” jibe after suffering ankle fracture

LaMelo Ball fractured his ankle during a game against the Detroit Pistons. He was seen saying that he had heard a "pop" sound, just like LeBron James when he went down injured.


LaMelo Ball echoes LeBron James with “I heard it pop” jibe after suffering ankle fracture

Charlotte Hornets player LaMelo Ball went out with a similar injury as LeBron James on Monday. He was injured in the third quarter of the game between the Hornets and the Detroit Pistons. Interestingly, both James and Ball were injured in a non-contact play, which might be a bigger concern for both their respective teams. While James and the Lakers are trying to secure a place in the playoffs, the Hornets are already at the 13th spot in the Eastern Conference. They also might delay Ball’s return to have a better chance at securing Victor Wembanyama next season. 

With 9.45 remaining on the clock, LaMelo took a pass from Gordon Hayward around the top of the key. During the second dribble, his right ankle twisted, and by the third dribble, he was on the floor trying to avoid the jump ball. As the Hornets were running towards their defensive end after Hayward’s basket, Ball was seen limping behind. Later it was reported that he had a fractured ankle.

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The Hornets immediately subbed him out. However, while he was going back to the locker room, he apparently said what Lakers star LeBron James said the night before,”I heard it pop.” While James is out indefinitely and for multiple weeks, it is possible that Ball would also miss multiple games with the same injury. Both the Ball brothers have been injury prone since coming into the league. Lonzo Ball, LaMelo’s brother, is out for the entire season with a knee injury. 

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Related: LaMelo Ball Injury: How severe is the Hornets guard’s ankle sprain?

Should the Charlotte Hornets rush LaMelo Ball from injury this season

LaMelo Ball
LaMelo Ball

There is no need for the Hornets to rush LaMelo Ball back from injury, especially given their Eastern Conference record. With a 19-43 record, they are currently ranked in the conference. They are far from qualifying for the play-in tournament. Despite the fact that they have won five straight games, it is unlikely that they will be able to maintain the streak.

The 21-year-old’s ability to take the court in future seasons is far more important than his availability for largely meaningless games. Ball is averaging  23.4 points, 8.5 assists, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Despite shooting 40.7 percent from the floor and averaging 3.5 turnovers per game, his numbers show that he is significantly more crucial for the future than the present. The 21-year-old can come back next season and reignite their basketball once again with his skillset.

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