It seems like forever since we’ve seen Lonzo Ball on the court, and it looks like it will not be happening anytime soon.
Bulls vice president Arturas Karnišovas met with reporters following Thursday night’s NBA draft and was asked about the status of point guard Lonzo Ball.
His update was truly heartbreaking.
“Going into the offseason, our expectation is that he’s not coming back next season,” Karnišovas said. “He’s going to continue on his recovery. If he comes back, it would be great. But we’re just going to treat this offseason and get ready for the season that he’s not going to be back.”
The 25-year-old Ball underwent cartilage transplant surgery on his left knee in March, which marked his third surgery on his knee since January 2022. The older Ball brother missed all of this season and now could miss all of next season due to continued issues in his knee. This most recent surgery is thought to potentially give him the best chance to resume his NBA career.
The news is certainly heartbreaking for the Bulls, but it doesn’t come as a surprise. He hasn’t played basketball since Jan. 14, 2022, when he suffered a meniscus tear that required surgery.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Ball averaged 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists during his first season with Chicago after a four-year, $80 million sign-and-trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Bulls will have to make do without Ball again this year with plenty of questions surrounding the team.
