The Bulls could be without Lonzo Ball for another season.
While there was optimism that Ball would return from injury at some point in 2022-23, he will reportedly undergo an additional procedure on his knee that could sideline him for all of 2023-24.
What's next for Ball? Here's everything we know about his injury and the latest news surrounding it.
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What is Lonzo Ball's injury?
On Jan. 20, 2022, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that Ball had been diagnosed with a "small" meniscus tear in his left knee. A few hours later, the Bulls announced that Ball would undergo arthroscopic surgery and was expected to return in six to eight weeks.
Ball underwent surgery on Jan. 28, 2022. He was shown working out in a team video shared on March 11, but it was announced on March 21 that the Bulls were going to "pull back" the rehab process.
Ball was then ruled out for the rest of the 2021-22 season on April 6.
"Ball underwent surgery on his left knee in Los Angeles on January 28 and continues to experience pain with high-level physical activity," the Bulls shared in a press release. "He will continue daily treatment and rehabilitation in preparation for the 2022-23 season."
Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game in his first season with the Bulls.
How long will Lonzo Ball be out?
In early September, news broke that Ball was expected to miss training camp and was doubtful for the start of the 2022-23 season. Ball's knee was believed to be structurally sound following surgery, ESPN's Jamal Collier wrote, but he was said to still be experiencing pain when attempting certain basketball activities.
According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports, it was the bone bruise that "predated the January meniscus tear" that had been bothering Ball in his rehabilitation.
Ahead of training camp, the Bulls announced that Ball would undergo an arthroscopic debridement of his left knee on Sept. 28 and would be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. According to Charania, there was "confidence" that Ball would return during the 2022-23 season, but he was expected to miss "at least a few months."
"I really can't run or jump. Until I can do those things, I can't play."
— Sporting News NBA (@sn_nba) September 27, 2022
Lonzo Ball gave an update on his rehab and why surgery was the only choice left pic.twitter.com/lk1JXYDkMI
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan provided an update on Ball's condition on Nov. 30, saying his rehab was going "really slow." ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski added on Dec. 14 that there were "no guarantees" that he plays at all this season.
On Feb. 21, 2023, Charania reported that the Bulls would be shutting Ball down for the remainder of the season because of persistent "pain and discomfort" in his left knee. Three weeks later, news broke that Ball will undergo a third surgery on his knee.
While it could sideline him for another full season, there is reportedly optimism that the procedure can revive his career.
Lonzo Ball career stats, highlights
- 11.9 points per game
- 6.2 assists per game
- 5.7 rebounds per game
- 1.6 steals per game
- 0.6 blocks per game
- 2.5 turnovers per game
- 32.5 minutes per game
- 40.0 percent shooting
- 36.4 percent 3-point shooting
- 57.8 percent free throw shooting
