Lonzo Ball sustained an ankle injury during the Los Angeles Lakers’ heavy defeat to Denver Nuggets but he insists the problem won’t keep him off the court.

The Lakers went down 117-85 at the Pepsi Center and Ball’s injury blow appeared to have a huge impact.

The guard suffered the injury in the first half and LA were blown away in the second, with Denver winning by 24 points over the third and fourth quarters.

“I wanted to play, but the coaching staff thought it was better for me to take a rest, so I did,” Ball told reporters after the game.

He added: “I’m gonna play on Thursday. It’s just a regular sprain. I’ll get it treated and be ready to go on Thursday.”

Despite Ball’s insistence he will feature against Indiana Pacers on Thursday, the decision may well be taken out of his hands as he appeared in obvious discomfort prior to being withdrawn in Denver but it does at least seem as if the injury is not serious.

The Lakers remain well placed in the Western Conference in seventh spot with a record of 11-9, while Denver are 14-7 and look back on form after a run of six defeats in seven games through the middle of the month.

Western Conference leaders Los Angeles Clippers are in action on Wednesday night as they host the Phoenix Suns.

The Clippers are 1.80 with a -10.5 handicap and Phoenix are 7.00 to claim a win.