LaMelo Ball Out for Season, Trade Possible

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball will miss the remainder of the season to undergo surgeries on his right ankle and wrist after appearing in 47 out of a possible 72 games this season and averaging a career-high 25.2 points per game. Despite his impressive performance, the Hornets are 18-54, placing them among the teams with the best odds for the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery. The team decided to shut down Ball, focusing on his long-term health and their draft position, and he is expected to recover fully and resume basketball activities in four to six weeks. Additionally, discussions are underway about the Hornets potentially trading Ball due to his max contract and concerns about his defensive skills and impact on winning games. Meanwhile, Jordan Greenway of the Buffalo Sabres is sidelined with a lower-body injury, missing games including the one against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has played 34 games this season, contributing 8 points, but has been inactive for 6 games.