Bulls Injury Update: Lonzo Ball Returns On-Court Amid Awaiting NBA Return

The Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball has not played a single game following the 2021-22 season due to a knee injury. The 26-year-old star underwent surgery in early 2022 to repair a torn left meniscus. He was expected to return soon but had to undergo another surgery in September, following continued discomfort in the knee. In February of last year, it was confirmed that he would miss the whole 2023-24 season.

Then in March, he had a cartilage transplant and was declared indefinitely out. Although he is expected to miss the entirety of the current season, Lonzo has been making significant improvements. He has started showing up to the Bulls practice to take part in light day-to-day workouts. Here are the latest updates of Zo as per Bulls insider KC Johnson. The first update reads, “Lonzo Ball at Bulls practice in non-participatory role.”

Another live update by Johnson reveals that Lonzo is engaging in taking shots during the practice. This is a promising development that points to a significant level of progress. Johnson writes, “Ball is getting up shots now.”

Lonzo is proceeding with caution, avoiding any heavy activities like running or sprinting. Despite this, he has shown considerable recovery, as per the latest updates. Chicago was given a disabled player exception for Lonzo by the NBA last year in July. Following the announcement that the guard would miss the entire 2023–24 season, the Bulls received a total of $10.2 million.

Looking back at the devastating injury

The Pelicans traded Lonzo to Chicago in August 2021. He played his Bulls debut game in October against the Pistons with 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists. On 14th January 2022, he played his last game against the Warriors which resulted in a 138-96 loss. Following this game, Zo started experiencing left knee soreness, and the rest is history. He could play only 35 games that season and hasn’t played a single game ever since.

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Lonzo started all 35 games and averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. There was once a time when he was regarded as the main PF for Chicago, but that ship has already sailed in the two years he has missed. Zo signed a four-year contract extension with the Bulls in 2021 and has a player option for the next season. He is likely to exercise this option to stay in Chicago for once more season.

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However, things are looking up for him as he seems to be slowly getting more comfortable on the court again. Do you think the Bulls would have fared better this season with Lonzo on the roster? How are they struggling in his absence? Share your thoughts!