After sitting out three of the five preseason games for the Los Angeles Lakers, rookie point guard Lonzo Ball is ready to make his official debut in purple and gold on Thursday.

Ball has been dealing with a mild left ankle sprain that has put his playing status in question. Fortunately for the Lakers, the 19-year-old is ready to get back to work and claims he good to go for the season opener against the L.A. Clippers.

“I’m playing, for sure,” Ball said of Thursday's opener.

The UCLA product played in a scrimmage on Monday during practice at the team's facility and spoke to the media shortly after. Although admittedly not entirely sharp during the scrimmage, Ball made it clear it is all a part of the process of getting ready to get the 82-game grind underway later this week.

“Definitely a little rusty,” Ball said of his play in practice. “I had a lot of turnovers today. As long as I'm ready for Thursday, that's all that matters.”

The Lakers will get the season started with a back-to-back as the face two division rivals on consecutive nights. It will be a battle for Los Angeles on Thursday against Blake Griffin and company before hitting the road for the team's first game away from the Staples Center against Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns.

Ball and the revamped Lakers won't get back on the floor on Sunday in Los Angeles when they play host to the New Orleans Pelicans.