Lakers star rookie Lonzo Ball not returning until after the 2018 All-Star break?

The Los Angeles Lakers are on a roll. They are currently on a four-game winning streak and have won 12 of their last 16 outings. During this stretch, they have defeated legitimate playoff contenders like the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers have accomplished the majority of this feat without Lonzo Ball. From the looks of it, they might need to continue living life without the rookie for a few more days.

Still on the sidelines?

There are three games left on the schedule of the Los Angeles Lakers before the 2018 All-Star Weekend. On February 10, they begin a short road trip when they face the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. After this, the Lakers are set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (February 14) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (February 15). Sadly for the fans of the purple and gold, it is unlikely that Lonzo Ball will stage his comeback in one of these contests. According to a report by ESPN, it is possible that the 20-year-old's return is going to occur when the annual showcase is over.

Lonzo has been out for the Lakers since mid-January after suffering an MCL sprain. The injury came in the wrong time for Lonzo who was starting to find his rhythm on offense. For the season, the former UCLA standout is averaging 10.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

The good news is that there is progress in the workouts Lonzo is doing as he recovers from the health setback. Ahead of the Lakers' victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder last February 8, Ball had a three-point shooting session.

No worries

In the absence of Lonzo Ball, a lot has happened to the Los Angeles Lakers. Among them was the acquisition of Isaiah Thomas. The Lakers received Thomas in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With the arrival of Thomas, many wondered who will start between him and Lonzo. Thomas is more experienced and is a two-time All-Star who was the former face of the franchise for the Boston Celtics. Despite Thomas' accolades, it looks like there is no need to worry for Lonzo as Lakers president of basketball operations, Magic Johnson, made it clear that the league newcomer remains their starter at the point guard spot.

It would be interesting to see how things will work out for the Lakers. Are they going to continue riding the Lonzo Ball hype train or will they shift to Thomas, who is also trying to return to a hundred percent?