Lakers’ Ball may be done for season

As the Lakers begin to manage LeBron James’ minutes, they are also faced with the prospect that Lonzo Ball might be done for the season.

Ball is scheduled to visit with doctors Saturday, but Lakers coach Luke Walton said Friday the secondyear point guard isn’t close to returning. Ball has missed seven weeks after suffering a Grade 3 left ankle sprain, which includes a torn ligament. Further complicating Ball’s recovery is a bone bruise on his ankle.

Walton also said the Lakers began managing James’ minutes in Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets in which James played 31. He stressed that James isn’t on a minutes restriction, but with the Lakers seven games out of a playoff spot, they’re thinking about the future.

It’s that thinking that could keep Ball out for the rest of the season. Walton said the priority for Ball is that he has a full, healthy offseason.

Last summer, Ball spent much of the offseason recovering from knee surgery. He played in 52 games last season and 45 this season.

Pelicans swingman E’Twaun Moore will be sidelined at least a week after reinjuring his left quadriceps. Moore’s suffered the injury Wednesday against the Raptors. An MRI confirmed the diagnosis . ... James Harden had 31 points and 10 rebounds and the Rockets extended their winning streak to a season-high seven games with a 107-91 victory over the 76ers on Friday night in Houston. 76ers center Joel Embiid missed his eighth straight game.