On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers scored their first win of the 2017 NBA preseason. The Lakers topped their Pacific Division rivals, the Sacramento Kings, at the T-Mobile Arena, 75-69. Unfortunately for the team, they again played without prized rookie Lonzo Ball. The no. 2 overall pick in this year's draft sustained an ankle injury nearly a week ago and remains on the sideline.
Ball's sprained ankle prevented him from going toe-to-toe with De'Aaron Fox of the Kings. Fox got selected by the Kings with the fifth overall pick in June's selection process.
There is no storied rivalry between the two yet. But because they are arguably the best point guards in this year's rookie class, there is hype when their respective squads are scheduled to play. The next meeting between Los Angeles and Sacramento will be during the regular season. On November 22, the Lakers are set to visit the Kings at the Golden 1 Center. Hopefully, by that time, Ball will be ready to go for the purple and gold franchise.
Ball out
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton is not counting out the possibility that Lonzo Ball will be out for the remainder of the preseason, ESPN reported. Walton stated that they would want for Ball to return, though they will not "rush him back just to try to get him out there."
Ball has had an up and down preseason outing so far.
In the Lakers' preseason opener versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, he struggled with his offense and only had five points. However, he made up for it by also tallying seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in that game. When the Lakers took on the Denver Nuggets for the first time this preseason, he had a better scoring night as he recorded eight points, with two rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.
Sadly, it was in this contest when he injured his ankle and needed to leave early to receive treatment.
Hurt Fox
Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox has been impressive this preseason. In the Kings' first two appearances, Fox was always one of the top scorers. That changed when they faced the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday. The 19-year-old was unable to have an impact as his night ended early due to a bruised back.
In nine minutes on the floor, the former Kentucky Wildcats standout finished with only three points, two assists, and a steal.
With Fox hurt, the Kings relied on the veteran Zach Randolph versus the Lakers. Randolph led all scorers for his team with 16 points.
