Chicago Bulls star Lonzo Ball has not played since January 14, 2022.
It has taken three surgeries to fix his problematic knee. Initially, he was expected to return in six to eight weeks, but it's still uncertain if he'll be ready for the 2024-25 season.
However, it's confirmed that he will stay with the team after making an expected financial choice.
Ball has chosen to exercise his $21.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season.
“As expected, Lonzo Ball has decided to keep his $21.4 million contract option for 2024-2025, according to ESPN sources,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on X on May 4. “Ball has missed the last 2.5 seasons with a knee injury. He initially signed a four-year, $80M free agent deal in 2021.”
Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas stated that they were in a wait-and-see mode regarding Ball before considering filing for relief.
“We’re just going to wait and see his progression next couple of months,” Karnisovas said during his season-ending press conference on April 20. “He’s progressing well, everything is looking with no setbacks. So we’ll see where he’s at in a couple months.”
The Bulls could receive that $21 million in relief if Ball is unable to return by next season.
An independent NBA panel must declare his injury career-ending, which could be complicated as Ball has affirmed his intention to come back. Head Coach Billy Donovan mentioned the significant progress Ball had made.
“He’s starting to run. I know we talked about last time, Some of the workouts had been, I think, really, really positive in terms of running, cutting, jumping, doing those things, that he’s progressed into that, responded well,” Donovan told reporters on March 9. “Some of the things that the guys have shown me is he looks good moving.”
The Bulls need more information on Ball’s future before delving too deep into the offseason, but it's unlikely they'll get it.
Lavar Ball Predicts ‘4 or 5 Months’ for Lonzo Ball’s Return
“Lonzo doing good man. Like I said, man, my boys got a strong mind and they’re put together. And he’ll do what he got to do to get back on that court and do something that he loves to do. So, it’s just a matter of time,” Lavar Ball said on “Parkins and Spiegel” on April 4.
“I’m thinking at least four or five months from now. Four or five months where he really can get down and do what he do.”
Ball emphasized that his son wasn't in pain.
He also emphasized that his son will need to regain strength, highlighting his ability to return to his normal self once healthy. He dismissed the idea that previous cases of players failing to return from similar procedures would affect his son.
However, this doesn’t provide much help for the Bulls, who are facing a potentially turbulent offseason with potential roster changes.
“Lonzo is expected to return around August according to LaVar’s four-month estimation; if it takes closer to five months, he would be back in early September,” NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson wrote on May 4. “With the 2024 NBA Draft set to start on June 27, and NBA free agency starting three days after that, Ball creates a challenging timeline for the Bulls to determine his position during a pivotal moment in the organization.”
Brandon Roy’s Communication to Bulls’ Lonzo Ball
The illustration most often linked with Ball has been that of former Portland Trail Blazers star Brandon Roy. Roy’s once-promising career came to a sudden stop after a series of knee injuries took their toll.
Roy expressed his worry for Ball in his comeback, particularly the expectations for the dynamic guard.
“[Ball] has to be realistic with himself and what he’s going to be able to do,” Roy said, per Joshua M. Hicks for The Bigs in May 2023. “It might not be at the level of an All-Star point guard but there are some things he can adjust to his game and he can still help a team.”
Ball’s game was never based on explosive athleticism.
However, he will undoubtedly have to remove some rust when he returns. And it could be tough with the Bulls’ backcourt as crowded as it is.
