Lakers’ Ball, Lopez cleared for practice return from injury

Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on December 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball and center Brook Lopez have been cleared to return to practice after recent injury absences.

Ball and Lopez are both questionable for the Lakers’ next game against Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

Ball has been out with a sprained left shoulder since Dec. 23, missing five consecutive games. The rookie No. 2 overall draft pick is averaging 10.0 points, 7.1 assists and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Lopez has missed eight games since spraining his right ankle Dec. 18. The veteran big man is averaging 12.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in his first season with Los Angeles.

The Lakers (11-25) have lost seven straight games to fall back into last place in the Western Conference standings.

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