Hornets star LaMelo Ball out for season after ankle surgery

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — LaMelo Ball’s season isofficially over.

The Charlotte Hornets announced that the third-year point guardunderwent surgery Wednesday to repair a fracture in his right ankleand will miss the remainder of the season. Ball was injured inCharlotte’s victory Monday night over the Detroit Pistons.

The 21-year-old Ball was limited to 36 games this season. Hesprained his left ankle three times, costing him 27 games.

He averaged 23.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 1.3 stealsand 35.2 minutes. He was playing particularly well during theHornets’ five-game win streak, making at least five 3-pointers ineach of those games while shooting 47.3% (27 of 57) from beyond thearc.

The Hornets said Ball is expected to make a full recovery andthat further updates will be provided as appropriate.

The third overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft has appeared in 162games during his career, averaging 19.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 7.3assists, 1.5 steals and 31.8 minutes. He was the NBA’s Rookie ofthe Year in 2021 and an All-Star in 2022.