Lonzo Ball Drops Double-Double vs. Mavericks Before Suffering Calf Injury

Lonzo Ball put on a show Sunday to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the Las Vegas Summer League finals, although he left the game early with a calf injury. 

Prior to the injury, the rookie point guard came through with 16 points, 10 assists and four rebounds in a 108-98 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Mike Trudell of the team's official site noted Ball was available to return, although he stayed out after playing 21 minutes.

Ball returned to the bench after getting treatment, but it seemed like the Lakers were playing it safe with their top asset.

The No. 2 overall pick showed what he could do during his limited time on the court, helping his squad build up a big lead early before Los Angeles held on late without him. 

The matchup was billed as a battle between top rookie point guards, and while both Ball and Dennis Smith Jr. played well in the opening half, Ball was outstanding with his passing ability:

Several of his passes in the first half were particularly memorable:

Ball also stayed hot as a shooter, even if his form remains odd:

He is already gaining plenty of fans from those watching along:

Lakers president Magic Johnson was already satisfied with his new face of the franchise.

"We're really happy about the way he's been leading our team," he said on Spectrum Sportsnet, via Trudell. "...The way he can pick up his teammates and raise their level of play...and the shot will come."

He scored a single basket in the second half before leaving with his injury, but it doesn't appear to be all that serious.

Meanwhile, Ball continued to show variety in his shoe game with another new pair of kicks:

His production has been strong regardless of his footwear, although hopefully the latest pair didn't lead to the injury.

The Lakers will now take on the Portland Trail Blazers in the Summer League finals after Portland beat the Memphis Grizzlies 87-82 in the first semifinal.