Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich
LOS ANGELES — Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball attended Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers as his attempt to return after an absence of more than two years was cleared for advanced activities.
Speaking before Saturday’s matinee, coach Billy Donovan said Ball, who hadn’t played in an NBA game since January 2022, began sprinting, cutting and jumping. Ball underwent three knee surgeries during his absence, including his latest, a cartilage graft.
“Some of the practices have been really positive and he’s progressed,” Donovan said. “He’s responded well. Some of the things the doctors have shown me is that he looks good moving. I’m really happy for him personally for his progress. He’s worked hard to get in this position. And I hope he can continue to progress.
Advanced activities are controlled and in non-contact situations, but it’s still a step forward as the point guard attempts to defy the odds and make a comeback. Ball has a player option for next season, the last of the original four-year, $80 million contract he signed with the Bulls.
Donovan said the next step, obviously, would be to get permission to play contact and five-on-five basketball. There is no timetable for this next step yet and it obviously depends on how Ball responds in the future.
“This is something almost unprecedented,” Donovan said. “He has managed to overcome all obstacles so far.”
The Bulls received a $10.2 million disabled player exception for Ball’s absence this season, which expires Monday. This will obviously remain unused.
But the organization is working to help Ball on a personal and professional level.
“I’m speaking more from my perspective, not even medical, that he will need for his own well-being, getting used to hitting, defending, overcoming screens, rim contact and getting off the body,” Donovan said. “How can we help him formulate a plan where he can play, whether it’s here in Los Angeles? As long as he feels like he has the contact.
“Some of it might be 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 and a controlled situation. But at some point we’ll have a conversation about what’s the next step in terms of contact for him. . . . He’s had 2 years and a half without contact. And you feel bad about it.”
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