Ball has been out since three days after Thanksgiving due to ankle surgery.
Lore and Rodriguez counter they have the money and meet the criteria for an extension to finish the league's approval process.
After the team embarrassed itself earlier in the season, the Pelicans have found an identity and worked their way into the championship conversation.
Mitchell Robinson's return from an early December ankle injury on Wednesday night was a welcome sight for Knicks fans, but his role going forward may look different than where he left off.