Mar 25, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks around after being called for a foul during the second half against the Orlando Magic at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

17-Year NBA Veteran Reacts to Major LaMelo Ball Injury News

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 4:33 AM ET

As the NBA's regular season comes winding down, so does losing teams beginning to shut down their key players.

Zion Williamson, De'Aaron Fox, and LaMelo Ball are among some of the top names shutting down for the rest of the season. Whenever these situations do happen, many question whether or not their injuries are legitimate, or if they're just trying to tank for a top pick.

On Friday, the Charlotte Hornets shut down LaMelo Ball for what was reported to be two minor procedures for wrist and ankle issues.

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball will miss the rest of the season as he undergoes two minor procedures to address ankle and wrist issues, sources tell ESPN. Ball showed toughness, playing through pain in recent weeks, before he and team consulted doctors on best course forward. pic.twitter.com/PrpWrjaXuW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 28, 2025

Former Clippers legend Lou Williams that while it may be beneficial for the Hornets to shut down Ball to tank for Cooper Flagg, it's likely a legitimate situation.

"I think it could be a little bit of both," Williams said on FanDuel TV's Run It Back show.. "You don't have minor procedures and surgeries for stuff that's not actually aching. So, if these are a couple of clean up things, you've gotta say that's a legitimate thing that they're concerned with his health moving forward."

Hornets are shutting down LaMelo Ball to draft Cooper Flagg

"They got a legitimate reason to shut him down...they can put themselves in a better position to get Flagg, so by all means." - @TeamLou23

"They've missed 9 consecutive playoffs...this is good." - @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/V6CcUPFYpA
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 31, 2025

However, at the same time, Williams believes that the Hornets are probably trying to kill two birds with one stone when it comes down to shutting down Ball.

"Also, it could be great timing as well, put a few more lottery balls in that bowl for us to get an opportunity to get Cooper Flagg," Williams said. "They got a legitimate reason to shut him down...they can put themselves in a better position to get Flagg, so by all means."

The race for Cooper Flagg is here, and one would have to imagine that the Charlotte Hornets will be one of the leading candidates in it.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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