Lonzo Ball, the point guard for the Chicago Bulls, has been out of action for almost two years due to injury. However, there is good news as Ball recently visited Chicago to continue his recovery from another procedure. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan confirmed that Ball is progressing well and could start running again in January, marking the two-year anniversary of his last NBA game.
Ball’s absence from the court began in January 2022 due to ongoing issues with his left knee, including a meniscus tear that led to a shutdown during his rehabilitation. In March 2023, he underwent a cartilage transplant, ruling him out for the entire 2022/23 NBA season. Bulls general manager Arturas Karnisovas later stated that Ball was not progressing well and would likely miss the entire 2023/24 season.
Despite signing a four-year, $85 million contract with Chicago in 2021, Ball has only played 35 games for the franchise. However, his recovery progress is a positive sign for the struggling Bulls, who have not made the playoffs since Ball’s injury in 2022. Currently, the Bulls are 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 14-18 record, with point guard Coby White having a career year. If Ball can return in 2024, Chicago could become a competitive team once again.
