Zach Lavine and Demar DeRozan’s Ex-Teammate Reveals the Bulls “Hasn’t Been the Same” Since One Player’s Injury

Lonzo Ball is a name that hasn’t been heard of often this time around, and we might have to get used to it for the remainder of the season. During the 2021 offseason, the Bulls traded in Lonzo; this was considered a power move as he would be put alongside Zach LaVine and Demar DeRozan, forming a strong offensive front. Lonzo, however, had to be sidelined halfway through the 2021–2022 season due to a knee injury.

This was the trigger and it has only been downhill for the 26-year-old, as his road to recovery was plagued by more injuries and surgeries. Ex-teammate Tony Bradley, who had the opportunity to play with Lonzo, LaVine, and Demar, talks about the huge hit the Bulls took after Lonzo’s long timeout.

Lonzo’s absence was very noticeable

During the 2021-22 season, the Bulls were on a solid run and were leading the Eastern Conference. However, in a recent interview with the Tidal League podcast, Bradley admits, “It hasn’t been the same,” ever since Lonzo had to take a timeout due to his injury. He says Zo’s presence on the court made the team noticeably efficient. Moreover, Bradley also noticed how he made all the difficult passes look very easy.

But most importantly, he “made everybody look good” because of his team spirit and passing abilities thanks to his high game IQ and an instinct to be at the right spot at the right time. The Bulls did take a huge blow having Lonzo on the injury list. However, they are in good hands as the LaVine-Demar duo are “killers” as Bradley puts it, and their chemistry is through the roof. Lonzo Ball is set to return only by the 2023-24 season, as he recovers from his knee surgery.

Read More- Billionaire Michael Jordan Suffers as $29 Million Worth Chicago Mansion’s 10-Year Struggle Prolongs

Lonzo Ball’s injury journey

Zo spent the entirety of the 2022–2023 season on the Bulls’ injury list. This was due to his knee surgery following the injury in January 2022. Chicago Bulls announced that he would have to go through an arthroscopic surgery immediately after his left knee was diagnosed with a meniscus tear on January 20, 2022. It was estimated that he would be back in action in six to eight weeks.

However, it took more than eight weeks for the Bulls to come out and declare that Lonzo would be sitting out the entire season due to constant pain during heavy training. Fans and teammates alike were anticipating a mid-season return, but his persistent discomfort forced him to be sidelined. Then on March 16, 2023, news surfaced that he would require a third knee surgery. As he continues to find his way back to the court, both the Chicago Bulls and Lonzo Ball will wish time passed more quickly.

Read More- “I Know the Game Reggie”: Giannis Antetokounmpo Delivers Bragging Rights to Shaquille O’Neal over Pacers Legend in Hilarious Sequence