LaMelo Ball has been ruled out of the Charlotte Hornets' game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday due to a left ankle sprain, the team announced.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball left Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter with a left ankle injury. The Hornets said he will not return to the game. Ball had just made a 3-pointer off one foot and was backpedaling down the court when he stepped on Jarred Vanderbilt’s foot and fell backward,

Los Angeles is currently on a six-game win streak, playing in the second matchup of the run. They entered the game against Charlotte with a 25-18 record, ranked as the No. 5 team in the Western Conference standings. During the game, Hornets star LaMelo Ball suffered an injury that led to a locker room visit.

Charlotte, which has now won five of its past eight games, dominated against Zion Williamson and the Pelicans.

Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball is playing like an All-Star this season and is one of the top vote getters for the All-Star Game. But the one key concern for him and the Hornets is his injury outlook.

The Charlotte Hornets (12-30) will host the Los Angeles Lakers (25-18) in their first matchup of the season. The second game, originally scheduled for January 9, has been postponed to February 19 due to the wildfires in Los Angeles.

LaMelo Ball is facing a recurring ankle injury, leading to an uncertain timeline for his return. His absence has been significant for the Charlotte Hornets, who have struggled offensively and defensively without him.