Chicago Bulls ‘don’t think Lonzo Ball will EVER play again’

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball has been dealing with well-documented knee problems for the past two seasons, and the team is beginning to doubt whether he will be able to recover, according to WSCR’s Dan Bernstein.

“The Chicago Bulls privately don’t think Lonzo Ball is likely to ever play again,” Bernstein said at the press conference. Organizations win podcast championships.

Several months ago, Ball underwent his third knee surgery in 14 months and it was reported that he may miss the entire 2023-2024 season as a result.

Shortly before news of the third surgery broke, Ball had told reporters he was still unable to run or jump without pain.

An eventual return for Ball would make him the first player in league history to return from a knee cartilage replacement.

Ball has been out of action since January 14, 2022 due to knee injury problems

Ball is currently in the second year of a four-year, $80 million deal he signed with the Bulls on a free transfer ahead of the 2021-2022 season.

As it stands, he must earn $20,465,117 next season and will then be given a player option for his senior year in which he can accept $21,395,348, or choose to terminate his contract and become free agency – or to retire.

In March, Ball addressed his latest surgery with a statement saying, “My main focus has been getting back to the court and getting to a place where I can rejoin my teammates. This has been a frustrating process, but I am convinced that these next steps are the best way forward.

“Having the support of my family, friends, fans and medical staff throughout my recovery is what keeps me going. I can’t wait to get back to doing what I love most: playing basketball.’

Ball has not appeared in an NBA game since January 14, 2022, and initially underwent surgery on January 20, 2022, after being diagnosed with a minor meniscus tear and bone contusion.

He was expected to be out for only a six to eight week timeline, but he ended up missing the remaining 47 regular season and playoff games of the 2021-22 season.

Seven weeks later, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said Ball was still experiencing knee pain from the bone bruise.

Chicago acquired veteran guard Patrick Beverley to help their postseason hopes last season

Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White have been primary replacements at point guards for Ball

In September, Ball underwent his second knee surgery of the calendar year, reportedly an arthroscopic debridement of his left knee.

He was only expected to miss the start of the season, but that recovery timeline hasn’t gone as planned and he didn’t show up all season.

During his first season after moving from New Orleans to Chicago, Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds and shot 42% on 3-pointers.

He was instrumental on both the offensive and defensive sides of the floor, helping lead the Bulls to a 27–13 record before the injury.