Lonzo Ball is back for the 2024-25 NBA season after missing two seasons due to a left knee injury and subsequent surgery. He made his long-awaited return to the court in a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Following his return, the star guard for the Chicago Bulls shared insights about the reason behind his initial injury.
Ball embarked on his professional journey outfitted in gear from LaVar’s Big Baller Brand. In a recent conversation with Ramona Shelburne and Jamal Collier of ESPN, he disclosed that he was told no brands were interested in collaborating with him, which prompted his father to propose that he join Big Baller Brand.
Ball also mentioned that the shoes Ball donned during the NBA Summer League 2017 were problematic. He suspects that they might have played a role in the meniscus injury he endured as a rookie in January 2018.
“They were like kickball shoes,” Ball said. “I think it’s a possibility for sure, to be honest with you,” Ball said. “I wasn’t really getting hurt like that until I started wearing them.”
“They were like kickball shoes. I wasn’t really getting hurt like that until I started wearing them.”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 5, 2024
– Lonzo Ball, on his Big Baller Brand basketball shoes
(Via @espn ) pic.twitter.com/AsEAGo4xow
The star guard made his regular season return in the Bulls’ season-opening game on October 23.
Ball Reveals Possible Prior Knee Concerns Ahead Of NBA Debut
After criticizing Big Baller Brand shoes, Ball opened up about the challenges he has faced with his left knee. During the interview, he mentioned that his knee may have been an issue even before he joined the NBA.
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“My uncle used to always tell me, ‘Y’all play too much outside,’ because we were playing super hard in the backyard. That’s on concrete,” Ball said. “That was at least 15 years. So I mean, all that, over time, it can’t be good for your knees.” Ball said to ESPN.
LONZO BALL IS FINALLY BACK AFTER 2 YEARS 😭
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 17, 2024
THEN HITS HIS 1ST SHOT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zCxUiJZGOZ
So far, the star guard has played seven games in the new NBA season, but the Bulls are still struggling. They are currently sitting in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings. This has prompted a harsh reality check from an NBA analyst.
