Does Lonzo Ball’s surgery hurt chances for a Kawhi-to-Lakers deal?

Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball has a torn meniscus that needs surgery, so it's highly unlikely he'll be part of any trade that would bring Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs to the L.A.

Yahoo Sports Shams Charania was first to report the news of Ball needing surgery. The second-year point guard, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft just ahead of the Celtics' Jayson Tatum, missed 31 games in his rookie season with injuries.

Story on Lakers guard Lonzo Ball's knee injury, expected to be healthy for training camp: https://t.co/lDRv0w3tNv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2018

The Lakers are attempting to trade for Leonard in the hope that it will lure free agents LeBron James and Paul George to L.A.

DJ BEAN - Everyone has a theory about the Celtics' trade interest in Kawhi Leonard

the Lakers do have young players Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma and future first-round picks to trade that they could include in a deal.

The Celtics have reportedly engaged in trade discussions with San Antonio as well, with the Spurs seeking Tatum or Jaylen Brown as part of a deal, but the Celtics reluctant to part with them.