Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball continues to deal with a knee issue which has kept him out 11 straight games. Ball has been diagnosed with an MCL sprain and the team is being extremely cautious as he works his way back to the floor.

Fortunately for Ball, the 20-year-old will have a chance to get some much-needed rest during the All-Star break. Even though Ball could be held out until after NBA All-Star Weekend, the rookie is slated to play in the 2018 Mtn Dew Kickstart Rising Stars game alongside fellow Lakers Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram. After practice on Wednesday, Ball talked about his frustration level after missing 11 straight days.

“It's pretty tough,” Ball said. “It's the most games I ever missed in my whole life, but it's always good to see my teammates win.”

Despite already missing a total of 17 games this season due to his knee issues, Ball is trying to stay positive throughout the process while enjoying how his team is playing without him on the floor.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Koby Brea, Kentucky Wildcats, 2025 NBA Draft
Koby Brea stakes claim as best shooter in the NBA Draft, eyes all-around improvementTomer Azarly ·
Pistons guard Dennis Schroder vs Kings forward DeMar DeRozan
Kings rumors: Dennis Schroder emerges as key Sacramento PG free agency targetJedd Pagaduan ·
; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrate during a timeout against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Warriors’ Draymond Green was surprised Jordan Poole didn’t move on after getting KO’dAlex House ·
Portland Trail Blazers Jrue Holiday trade Damian Lillard blockbuster Blazers Bucks Suns
The next trade Blazers must make after Jrue Holiday-Anfernee Simons swap with CelticsMatty Breisch ·
Nets guard D'Angelo Russell (1) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie
Mavericks rumors: D’Angelo Russell, Malcolm Brogdon name dropped as free agent targetsJedd Pagaduan ·
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7), guard Jrue Holiday (4) and guard Derrick White (9) react after a play against the New York Knicks in the second half at TD Garden.
Celtics rumors: Boston evaluating Jaylen Brown, Derrick White trade interestRishav Bhat ·

“There's a positive out of every situation,” Ball said. “For me right now, I can see the game from a different point of view and I'm seeing what we need to work on and where we're doing great, so that's good for me. The guys are learning how to play without me. They're doing very good out there. Like I said, just want get back on the court and help them out.”

As for the Rising Stars game, Ball talked about the importance of participating in the event in Los Angeles and whether he believes he'll be able to play.

“Well, it'll be my first time ever experience All-Star, so definitely I would want to do it, but if my body won't let me, I'm not going to do it,” Ball on playing in the Rising Stars game on Feb. 16.

In the meantime, the Lakers will focus on the task at hand with the team looking for their eighth straight win at home on Thursday night when they play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Staples Center.