Lonzo Ball's Long Journey Back to the Court
It’s been a tumultuous ride for Lonzo Ball, who last played an NBA game on January 14, 2022. Since then, his journey has been marked by relentless rehabilitations and surgical procedures, all aiming to mend a knee injury that has significantly impacted his career. Ball sustained a torn meniscus in January 2022, an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2021-22 season.
After the initial injury, Ball underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure aimed at clearing debris from his knee. Despite these efforts, it became evident that more drastic measures were necessary for a full recovery. In March 2023, Ball opted for an experimental cartilage transplant. The procedure was a significant risk but offered a glimmer of hope for the young star’s return to professional basketball.
Encouragingly, Ball hasn’t suffered any further setbacks post-surgery. This August, he received clearance from the Chicago Bulls for 5-on-5 contact play, a critical milestone in his recovery. He was soon seen back on the court, participating in a scrimmage alongside NBA peers like Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Deandre Jordan.
An anonymous observer noted, "He was the orchestrator on offense, setting up teammates and knocking down 3s, while playing hard-nosed defense on the other end of the floor." This testimonial underscores Ball’s versatility and significance to the Chicago Bulls. Ball was indeed the ideal point guard for the Bulls team, and once he went out with the torn meniscus, Chicago wasn't the same. The Bulls held a 22-13 record when Ball was active during the 2021-22 season, evidence of his pivotal role in the team’s performance.
However, the Bulls roster has seen significant changes since Ball’s last game. DeMar DeRozan departed to the Sacramento Kings in free agency, and Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. The financial landscape has also shifted, with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic set to earn a combined $67.5 million after the next season. Meanwhile, Giddey will be dealing with unrestricted free agency next summer, adding another layer of uncertainty to the team’s future.
For Ball, this period has been equally dramatic on a personal level. He is currently in the final year of a four-year, $80 million contract signed in the summer of 2021. Astonishingly, Ball has played just 35 games through the first three years of this deal. Despite the challenges, Ball picked up his $21.3 million player option this summer, expressing his intention to make a comeback.
An anonymous observer remains optimistic: "That doesn't mean Ball won't get valuable minutes if he can fully recover." Indeed, if Ball manages to regain his form and fitness, he could still make significant contributions to the team. His return could infuse the Bulls with renewed hope, potentially altering their prospects for the coming seasons.
As the new NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Lonzo Ball. His road to recovery has been arduous, but with the latest medical advancements and his resilient spirit, fans and analysts alike are eager to witness what he brings to the court next. For now, the Chicago Bulls and their fans can only wait—and hope—that Ball’s next chapter will be written not in the medical records but in the annals of basketball history.