After missing his team’s last five games, Lonzo Ball was recently cleared to resume practice. It’s a very good sign for the Los Angeles Lakers as his presence will definitely help their cause especially now that they have lost seven consecutive games. There’s more good news for the team as their prized rookie appears to be nearing a return and is already targeting their game on Friday versus the Charlotte Hornets, according to Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report.

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Ball was forced to remain on the sidelines after suffering a shoulder injury back on December 23 during their match against the Portland Trail Blazers. He was immediately diagnosed with a shoulder sprain and was originally slated to miss around a week of action. After getting re-evaluated, doctors gave him the go signal to re-join the Lakers’ practice sessions which will help him get back to game shape.

His potential return will be a big boost to the Lakers who have been struggling of late. Ball’s ability to run the floor and set up his teammates for easy baskets will definitely come in handy for them, as well as his knack for hitting 3-pointers and helping out on rebounds. If he can regain his form immediately and show no signs of rust, it will benefit the Lakers and also give him a lot of confidence for the remainder of the season.