LaMelo Ball’s Season Ends with Shocking Double Surgery—What’s Next for the Hornets Star?

LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets' star point guard, has been sidelined for the rest of the 2024-25 NBA season due to persistent injury concerns. On March 27, 2025, it was announced that Ball would undergo two minor procedures: one to address a right ankle impingement and another for a cartilage issue in his right wrist. These injuries have significantly impacted his availability this season, limiting him to just 23 games.

Ball’s Ankle Issues Aren’t New

He initially suffered a severe ankle injury during the 2022-23 season, which caused him to miss substantial time. This season, the right ankle impingement flared up again, leading to him missing 15 consecutive games before a brief return on March 25, 2025, against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In that game, he played 25 minutes, scoring 12 points, but it was evident he wasn’t at full strength. The Hornets, already out of playoff contention with a 19-55 record, decided to shut him down to prioritize his long-term health.

Ball’s Wrist Has Been A Lingering Problem

It’s described as a cartilage-related injury, and the procedure aims to resolve discomfort that has likely affected his shooting and ball-handling—key aspects of his dynamic playing style. In the games he did play this season, Ball averaged 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, with a field goal percentage of 42% and a three-point percentage of 34.2%. Despite these solid numbers, his efficiency and explosiveness appeared hampered compared to his All-Star form in previous years.

The decision to undergo these procedures now, rather than pushing through the final eight games, reflects a strategic move by the Hornets. With no postseason hopes and Ball’s injury history—having played only 59 games over the last two seasons—the focus is on ensuring he enters the 2025-26 season fully recovered. He’s expected to be ready for training camp in the fall, with the recovery timeline for these minor surgeries aligning with an offseason rehabilitation plan.

Pattern of Setbacks for the Young Star

This latest setback adds to a frustrating pattern for the 23-year-old, who signed a five-year, $260 million max rookie extension in 2023. Since his standout 2021-22 season, where he earned All-Star honors, injuries have derailed his momentum. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that these procedures will finally put his injury woes behind him, allowing the electrifying guard—known for his flashy playmaking and deep shooting range—to return to his peak form. For now, though, Hornets supporters will have to wait until next season to see their franchise cornerstone back on the court.