As well known, Lonzo Ball has now missed a significant stretch of time due to a knee injury, and while recovery continues, his return remains uncertain. Lakers head coach Luke Walton confirmed that Ball will be out for at least two more games, including upcoming road matchups against the Brooklyn Nets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the team navigates a challenging season, fans keeping an eye on both basketball updates and BD Cricket Live will be eager to see when the young point guard can return to the court.
Walton shared that today marked the team’s final full practice before game day, and from here on out, sessions will focus primarily on shooting. During his rehabilitation, Ball has been doing light shooting drills and working on lateral movement under the supervision of team trainers. Despite his progress, Ball is not yet cleared for full contact, and Walton emphasized that his return will depend on how his knee responds to these training exercises.
This season, Ball has played in 36 games for the Lakers, averaging 33.9 minutes, 10.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His shooting percentages stand at 35.6% from the field and 30.3% from beyond the arc. The Lakers, currently sitting at 19 wins and 31 losses, have dropped their last two games. Without Ball, they’ve gone 4–4 in the past eight games, but the team’s overall record without him this season is 4–10—a clear indication of the role he plays in the lineup.
Ball originally injured his knee on January 14 in a game against the Dallas Mavericks. The team initially reported that the strain to his left MCL was affecting his lateral movement, a crucial component of his defensive and playmaking skillset. Typical recovery time for such injuries is between one and three weeks. With this Sunday marking the three-week point, there’s cautious optimism that his return could come as soon as the Lakers’ upcoming home stand.
Walton reiterated that there is no rush to bring Ball back prematurely. The coaching staff wants him to go through controlled training and assess how his knee feels before making a final decision. Ball has been a vital piece of the Lakers’ rebuild, and they’re treating his health with care.
The Lakers will return home for games against the Phoenix Suns on February 7 and the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 9. If all goes well in practice, Ball could be back in the lineup then. Just like BD Cricket Live fans tracking every ball and boundary, Lakers supporters will be watching closely—hoping for Ball’s smooth and healthy return to the hardwood.