Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight vs Lakers? Hornets rookie unfazed by Lebron James matchup

Charlotte Hornets will make trip to California to face Los Angeles Lakers in NBA regular season on Thursday night. Hornets have been a surprise story in NBA this season and currently occupy fifth seed in Eastern Conference, and will look to stun defending champions at Staples Center when y collide. However, much of Charlotte's chances will depend on rookie LaMelo Ball, who will be facing Lakers for first time in his career. Here's Lamelo Ball injury update.

Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight? When is LaMelo Ball coming back? 

As things stand, LaMelo Ball has no injury concerns and is likely to be fielded in Charlotte Hornets' starting line-up on ir trip to Los Angeles. 18-year-old will be playing his first game against defending champions in his career, but NBA rookie does not expect to feel any ded excitement competing against LeBron James and Lakers. For many youngsters, facing off against 36-year-old is ticking one item off ir bucket list. Speaking ahe of game, LaMelo said that he goes into every game with same approach and while facing off against LeBron James will be "cool", he will not divert his attention and focus ahe of game. 

LaMelo Ball return: Rookie's good form has propelled Hornets into playoff contention 

LaMelo Ball has been one of main reasons behind Charlotte Hornets' surprising run for playoff places this season. 18-year-old, who was picked as No. 3 overall by Michael Jordan's franchise, les all rookies in points (15.8 points), assists (6.3), rebounds (6.0) and steals (1.6) per game to propel Hornets to fifth in Eastern Conference standings. He is first NBA rookie to le numbers in all four categories before All-Star Break, something that hasn't happened in NBA in past 60 seasons. So much is his prowess, that 18-year-old is outproducing his elder bror Lonzo Ball who plays for New Orleans Pelicans. Lonzo was picked by Lakers as No. 2 pick in 2017 draft and grew up idolising LeBron James, unlike LaMelo, who looked up to his far while growing up. 

NBA live stream: How to watch Hornets vs Lakers live?

Fans in India can watch NBA live stream on NBA App. However, one will need to purchase NBA League Pass for same. pass will enable fans to watch multiple matches along with replays, highlights and much more exclusive content. re will be no live brocast of NBA this season in India. Hornets vs Lakers live stream will begin at 8:00 AM IST on Friday, March 19. 

(Image Courtesy: LaMelo Ball Instagram)