Lonzo Ball injury update: Lakers rookie to return after All-Star break

The Lakers rookie will miss his 14th straight game Wednesday against the Pelicans but "definitely" expects to return from his left knee injury next Friday against the Mavericks in Los Angeles' first game back from the All-Star break.

Ball, who will sit out the All-Star weekend's Rising Stars game scheduled for Feb. 16, said he could play if his team were in the playoffs but instead will take the time to ensure he makes a full recovery rather than aggravate the injury further and risk missing more time.

"I didn't think it was going to be this serious, to be honest. ... There was never a timeline for it. It was kind of just a thing that came up. I thought it was going to be dealt with quicker, but obviously my body didn't react to it that well. I should be back hopefully soon," Ball said last week. "It's pretty tough. This is the most games I've ever missed in my whole life. ... Just doing what I can to be a good teammate and support them."