LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 11: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

LaMarcus Aldridge Out vs. Pelicans After Ankle Injury Diagnosed as Sprain

Joseph ZuckerFeb 28, 2018

San Antonio Spurs star LaMarcus Aldridge exited Wednesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans after suffering a sprained right ankle, ESPN.com's Michael C. Wright reported.

He was subsequently ruled out for the second half.

The Spurs surprised many when they signed Aldridge to a three-year extension worth a little over $72 million in October. The six-time All-Star averaged 17.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last year, both of which were his lowest since his rookie season in 2006-07.

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Still, Aldridge is San Antonio's second-best player, and he has stepped up in the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who has missed most of the season while nursing a quad injury.

Through 56 games, Aldridge is posting 22.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists a night. According to NBA.com, the Spurs have had a 4.9 net rating per 100 possessions with him on the court.

Still, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is among the brightest minds in the NBA, so fans will trust him to find a way to fill the void Aldridge's injury creates in San Antonio's rotation.