Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball last played in the NBA on January 14, 2022. More than two years after his last appearance on the court, the 26-year-old point guard appears to be getting closer to his return to the NBA for the 2024-25 season.
Injuries have derailed Ball’s career in recent years. He played just 35 games in his first season with Chicago, from October 20, 2021, to January 14, 2022. After leaving the United Center court following a loss to the Golden State Warriors, Ball has not played since.
- Lonzo Ball Statistics (ESPN): 11.9 points per game, 6.2 assists per game
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Will Lonzo Ball return this year?
He first underwent arthroscopic debridement before the 2022-23 season, which everyone thought would address lingering knee issues. Chicago then sidelined him for the entire season due to recurring discomfort in the surgically repaired knee. He then underwent a cartilage graft in his left knee, which played a role in his absence for the entire 2023-24 NBA season.
Fortunately, the Bulls’ medical staff cleared Ball to practice 5-on-5 starting in January. Now that a crucial step toward his return to the NAB has been taken, Ball offers even more hope for the future.
- Lonzo Ball’s contract (Spotrac): $21.395 million player option for 2024-25 season
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Talk to TMZ SportsBall said his recovery is going very well and he believes he will be ready for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. As for when fans can expect to see him back on the court, it appears that could happen as early as September.
Bulls training camp is just a few weeks away, so there will likely be more updates in the near future on his return to the court. Assuming he avoids any setbacks, which is far from the case with his knee, Ball should be a big part of the Bulls rotation next season.
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