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Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball out Christmas Day, possibly more

By Michael Saenz

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball will miss their Christmas Day clash with Minnesota, and possibly more

After a slow – and quite disappointing – start to his rookie season, Lonzo Ball has performed much better over the last few weeks.

In the month of December, Ball is averaging 12.2 points, 6.8 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game on 42 percent shooting and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range. Specifically, in his last six games, Ball has upped his averages to 16 points, seven assists and seven rebounds per game.

In comparison, during the month of November, Ball was averaging just eight points on just 30 percent shooting from the field and 24 percent shooting from 3-point range.

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There’s no question that something has changes. Maybe it’s confidence or game rhythm. Either way, the Lakers will take it. Especially after the heat both Ball and LA was receiving after the rough start to the season.

However, the Lakers are going to have to survive without Ball in the lineup for a while. Ball is officially out for the team’s Christmas Day game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and will be reevaluated after a week.

"[via Lakers.com]Lonzo Ball, who was injured in the second quarter of last night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, had an MRI today. Results of the MRI revealed a shoulder sprain in his left shoulder. Ball will be out for tomorrow’s game vs. Minnesota and will be reevaluated in one week."

Expect Jordan Clarkson to play more on-ball during Ball’s absence, if it’s short. The last thing the Lakers need is Ball to miss more than a week or two.

It’s also the last thing that Ball needs. After bouncing back from a horrid shooting start to the season, Ball was finally finding his rhythm. For him to miss significant time, and be forced to once again find his footing would be difficult for a rookie.

Must Read: NBA: Power Ranking The 5 Christmas Day Games

Lonzo Ball hasn’t had a “great” rookie season thus far, but he was definitely on his way to something meaningful based on his performances over the last few weeks. It’d be a shame if he’s forced to miss weeks on weeks.

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