When the Bulls acquired Lonzo Ball in a sign-and-trade deal with the Pelicans during the 2021 offseason, he was expected to be an important piece of the team's core. His four-year contract showed that Chicago viewed him as a player capable of reaching his high ceiling.
Ball's tenure got off to a great start with the former No. 2 overall pick bringing an improved shot to the floor along with his terrific passing and tough defense. Unfortunately for Ball and the Bulls, he just hasn't been able to stay healthy.
Is there any chance that Ball rejoins the rotation for a postseason run? Here's everything we know about his injury and the latest news on when he may return to the court.
MORE: Ranking the NBA's best 30 players entering the playoffs
What is Lonzo Ball's injury?
In January 2022, Chicago announced that Ball would undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after he reportedly suffered a small tear in his meniscus. He was only expected to be out for a few weeks, but he continued to experience pain months later and ended up missing the rest of the 2021-22 season.
Before their 2022 training camp, the Bulls announced that Ball would undergo an arthroscopic debridement of his left knee and be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. While there was initial confidence that he would be able to return at some point during the regular season, Chicago kept extending Ball's timeline until it finally ruled him out for the entire 2022-23 campaign.
Is Lonzo Ball playing in the 2023 Play-In Tournament?
Ball will not participate in the Play-In Tournament, and he will not be available for the rest of the NBA Playoffs if the Bulls advance. In March, Chicago announced that Ball would undergo a cartilage transplant in his left knee and remain out indefinitely.
"My main focus has been on returning to the court and getting to a place where I can rejoin my teammates," Ball said as part of the team's statement. "This has been a frustrating process, but I'm confident these next steps are the best path forward.
"The support of my family, friends, fans and medical staff throughout my recovery is what keeps me moving forward. I can't wait to get back to what I love doing most — playing basketball."
The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that Ball's third knee surgery is "expected to cost him most, if not all, of the 2023-24 season," but the hope is that it will help revive his career.
When does the NBA Play-In Tournament start?
- Play-In Tournament: April 11-14
- NBA Playoffs: April 15
The 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament began on Tuesday, April 11. The first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs will start on Saturday, April 15.
NBA Play-In Tournament schedule
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April 11
| Game |
|---|
| Hawks 116, Heat 105 |
| Lakers 108, Timberwolves 102 (OT) |
April 12
| Game |
|---|
| Bulls 109, Raptors 105 |
| Thunder 123, Pelicans 118 |
April 14
| Game |
|---|
| Heat 102, Bulls 91 |
| Timberwolves 120, Thunder 95 |
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
