NBA Rumors: LaMelo Ball Takes ‘Steph Curry Approach’ To Help Combat Ankle Injuries | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumours

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 23: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during a regular season game on October 23, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is emulating a legendary teammate as he looks to put together a healthy 2024-25 season.

The ESPNs Tim Bontemp S reported that the 23-year-old is wearing ankle braces, like Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, in hopes of avoiding the injuries that derailed his previous two seasons.

“It’s a huge year for Ball, who has played just 59 games since his breakout All-Star season in 2021-22,” Bontemps wrote. “To help combat that, Ball has been addressing his sprained ankles with Stephen Curry, sources said, wearing strong braces to try to avoid the same injury problems that have cut short each of his past two seasons.”

Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.6 assists and 6.7 rebounds in 75 games that 2021-22 season. He played 36 games in 2022-23 and just 22 games in 2023-24, so getting back to playing nearly a full season would be a huge boost for Ball and the Hornets this season.

He got off to a great start in Wednesday’s season opener against the Houston Rockets. He scored 34 points with 11 assists and eight rebounds in 38 minutes in Charlotte’s 110-105 win.

Having more performances like this could play a major role in helping Charlotte reach the postseason for the first time since 2015-16. Considering Curry has played at least 60 games in 11 of his 16 NBA seasons, it seems like Ball is taking a great approach to his physical health.