Injuries are a cause of concern, not just for teams but also for players who aim and strive to give their best for a team and their fans. The unpredictability and psychological effects of injuries are not often discussed, but Hornets star LaMelo Ball seems to be fed up with the pain he is suffering from.
The Charlotte Hornets drafted the youngster with high hopes for his talents and abilities, but they haven’t been able to fully utilize the star due to Melo’s tenure with the team being marred by injury setbacks.
Battling right ankle soreness: second consecutive game missed
LaMelo Ball missed his second consecutive game for the Charlotte Hornets as his right ankle soreness continues to take a toll on him. The Hornets, who are hanging by threads in the challenging Eastern Conference, have been trying to win games without Ball. However, this has not only affected their chances this season but has also had a psychological impact on LaMelo Ball himself.
![LaMelo Ball](https://www.sportsknot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/melo-1-ap-1024x683.jpg)
Speaking on the unfortunate setbacks, Ball said, “We are pretty much just trying to put a whole game plan together right now, get everything right, see what it’s going to be, see how my body is feeling, just see what’s the best solution moving forward.”
![LaMelo Ball](https://www.sportsknot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/melo-3-ap-1024x683.jpg)
This season, Ball has been available for less than half of the Hornets games, playing just a measly 22 games the entire season. In the 22 games he has played for the team, he has performed exceptionally well averaging 23.9 points per game along with 8 assists and 5.1 rebounds. Ll
Last season, LaMelo missed 36 of the stipulated 82 games every team has to play. While stringent efforts were made for the star to stay healthy, the essence of unpredictability has always plotted against Charlotte Hornets and Melo. This season, both the team and the player will hope that this is their final setback for the remainder of the season.
LaMelo Ball aims to minimize time on injury report
Considering the psychological impact an injury and the news concerning an injury has on a player, LaMelo Ball plans to keep himself away from information and news regarding his injury timeline to maintain a positive approach towards his work ethic and the game of basketball.
![LaMelo Ball](https://www.sportsknot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/melo-2-ap-1024x683.jpg)
After missing a second straight game for the Hornets following an ankle sprain, Ball admitted that the entire facade related to his injuries have taken a toll on him, physically and emotionally. Addressing his mental wellbeing, Melo revealed his strategy to keep himself away from negativity, saying that he stays away from injury reports. Emphasizing himself, Ball said, “That’s pretty much my main thing.”
![Lonzo Ball](https://www.sportsknot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/lonzo-usa-1024x683.jpg)
Injuries are a running issue in the Ball family. Melo’s elder brother, Lonzo Ball, one of the promising youngsters in the league, hasn’t played basketball in over two years, following a cartilage transplant, which affected the player’s ability to run or jump.
What are your thoughts on LaMelo Ball and his constant injury struggles? How significant is LaMelo Ball to the Charlotte Hornets? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions on the issue, so feel free to comment below.