Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton confirmed Lonzo Ball will return Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks. It will be Ball’s first action since Jan. 13, with the team going 8-7 in the time he missed.
What had not been decided as of shootaround is whether Ball will start or come off the bench. Walton did say the rookie point guard will be on a minutes restriction, though details were not provided.
Additionally, Ball will not play Saturday. “He’s been out six weeks, so it’s more precautionary than anything else,” Walton said. “He could wake up (Saturday) and feel great and want to play, but it’s also part of our job to protect him from himself.