"Would be GOAT without injuries" - NBA fans lament LaMelo Ball's calf strain as Hornets star misses two weeks with injury

The Charlotte Hornets announced on Saturday that Lamelo Ball will be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a left calf strain. The star's latest setback has sparked a buzz on social media, with fans sharing their reactions to another injury suffered by the former NBA Rookie of the Year.

Fans on X expressed their dismay, noting the series of injuries that have threatened to derail Ball's promising career. One user believed that Ball could have been the league's greatest player of all time if not for his injuries.

"Bro would be the GOAT without injuries," the fan said.

Other fans on X shared similar sentiments, lamenting the loss of one of this season’s standout players.

"Noooooo he was hooping," a fan wrote.

"Hate that. He’s been balling," another fan wrote.

"Really too bad Looked like he was having fun and having huge nights for the Hornets Hoping he is fine after this setback," a fan added.

"Actually depressing news man. Been watching the Hornets broadcast for a bit with Eric Collin’s and it’s a treat, especially with LaMelo going off like crazy. Hope it’s just 2 weeks," another fan commented.

"Unlucky, 2 weeks ain’t bad though, hopefully he good by then," a fan wrote.

LaMelo Ball suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the Hornets' 98-94 loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday. He sat out Friday's 99-98 loss to the New York Knicks before the team announced that he will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

This season, Ball is averaging a career-high 31.1 points per game, ranking second in the league, and 6.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds per contest. Over his last four games, he averaged 40.3 points, including a career-high 50 points against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Hornets have struggled lately, losing four straight games and six of their last seven. LaMelo Ball's absence will make it tougher for them to get back on track.

---

What next for the Hornets in LaMelo Ball's absence?

Lamelo Ball has been one of the brightest stars in the NBA this season, and his injury is a significant blow to the Hornets. With the star guard out for at least two weeks, the Hornets must find ways to cushion the blow of his absence.

NBA: Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks - Source: Imagn

Players like Brandon Miller will need to step up and provide the offensive spark that Ball brings to the court. This season, Miller is averaging 19.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 3.7 apg.

The Hornets' schedule over the next two weeks features matchups against several Eastern Conference opponents, including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.