LAS VEGAS _ Lonzo Ball will not play in the Lakers' summer league championship game because of a right calf strain he suffered in the third quarter on Sunday.
Although Ball's injury was minor, neither the team nor he are inclined to take any chances with what amounts to an exhibition game in Las Vegas.
The Lakers have won five games in a row, having played four in the last five days, and will play the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday at 7 p.m.
Ball also missed the Lakers' third game of summer league as the Lakers opted for caution with some groin tightness he felt. They have been cautious with other players, too. Second-year forward Brandon Ingram hasn't played since their summer league opener, after falling to the ground with leg cramps during that game.
Ball has been one of the most dynamic players at summer league, which began a week-and-a-half ago. He has averaged 16.3 points, 9.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game. He's notched two triple-doubles, and had a double-double in the first half of Sunday's semifinal matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. Sunday's game marked Ball's best shooting night as he made five of seven shots and opened the game with a three-pointer.
The last time the Lakers played without Ball in summer league, they were also missing Kyle Kuzma, another first-round pick who has had a strong summer. Kuzma, who led the team with 24 points on Sunday, will play Monday night.
