The past two years haven’t gone according to plan for Lonzo Ball. Ball last appeared in a game for Chicago on January 14th, 2022 but has been sidelined since due to multiple procedures on his left knee including a double cartilage transplant.
However, the 26 year old could soon be returning to the hardwood as he looks to reset his career in the Windy City. A team official indicated that Ball is targeting a Wednesday return to action when the Bulls take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Chicago acquired Ball in a trade with New Orleans prior to the 2021-22 season, and enjoyed tremendous success with the former number 2 overall pick before he was sidelined. Across 252 career games, Ball has averaged 11.9pts/5.7reb/6.2ast per game, but has battled a variety of injuries since being drafted.
The eldest of the Ball brothers, Lonzo has never appeared in more than 63 games across any NBA season since joining the league in 2017. But even with an impending return, it’s worth noting that Ball has experienced some soreness in his left knee over the past weekend. One can safely assume that Ball will be on a heavy minutes restriction throughout the first half of the 2024-25 NBA season.
“He’s done really, really well,” said head coach Billy Donovan. “He’s been out there and he’s played. And he’s been effective playing. I think his timing’s coming back.”
Ball is entering the final year of a 4 year $80M contract extension, with a player option which he picked up for the upcoming season. As the former UCLA Bruin prepares to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, he’ll look to prove that he’s fully healthy and able to shoulder the rigours of a physically demanding NBA schedule this fall.
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.