As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for what will be a drama-filled start to free agency, one of their young stars will be away from basketball activities for a while.
According to Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports, 2017 No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball has a torn meniscus in his left knee and will be sidelined until training camp.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball has a torn meniscus in his left knee, league sources tell Yahoo. Ball is expected to be ready for training camp next season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2018
It remains to be seen if this injury will impact any trade involving Ball. He’s been bandied about as a potential piece heading to the San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard. Though, the Spurs themselves are not said to be interested in the talented guard.
With the Lakers likely overhauling their roster to add more star power, Ball has also been mentioned in trade talks with other teams. Again, it’s not yet known how this injury will impact that aspect of the offseason.
Ball, 20, averaged 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game as a rookie last season.