Ball on Track to Start the Opener

On Oct. 2, Lonzo Ball swatted Denver's Emmanuel Mudiay at the rim during L.A.'s second preseason game, only to land on Mudiay's foot and sprain his left ankle. The injury kept Ball out of the final four exhibition games, and made his health the biggest question of camp. Fortunately for the Lakers, their No. 2 overall pick declared himself ready to roll for the season opener against the Clippers after fully participating in Monday's scrimmage. "I'm playing for sure," he said. "I'll be ready for Thursday."