LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 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 (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Lonzo Ball Will Not Play vs. Nuggets in Preseason Due to Ankle Injury

Joseph ZuckerOct 4, 2017

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball will sit out Wednesday night's preseason game against the Denver Nuggets with a mild ankle sprain, according to ESPN.com's Ohm Youngmisuk.

The Lakers previously announced that Ball did not practice Tuesday and would be re-evaluated prior to tipoff.

Ball commands a spotlight larger than any other rookie in at least the last decade.

TOP NEWS

Bleacher Report1w

With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Celtics' fourth-quarter comeback falls short in Game 7 loss to 76ers

Bleacher Report1w

DENVER NUGGETS VS GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS, NBA

Bleacher Report1w

Part of that is a result of his impressive freshman season with the UCLA Bruins in which he averaged 14.6 points and 7.6 assists a game. His father LaVar Ball and the Big Baller Brand, though, have done much more to raise Lonzo's profile among basketball followers.

The Lakers need a big rookie season from Ball not so much to contend in 2017-18 but more so to sell potential free agents on the franchise's future. And if brief glimpses to this point in the preseason have been any indication, a healthy Ball could help the team achieve that goal.