When Will Lonzo Ball Return? Having Missed 2.5 NBA Seasons, 26YO Bulls Star Takes Major Leap Towards Recovery

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has not stepped foot on an NBA court since the middle of the 2021-22 season. Ball suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee during his first season with the Bulls. He was ruled out for the rest of the season and underwent surgery. However, Lonzo’s knee continued to bother him after the surgery, and he missed the entire 2022-23 season. The 26-year-old is still on his road to recovery and has yet to make his season debut.

But a recent update revealed a giant step for Lonzo Ball toward his recovery. Let’s find out when the Bulls guard will return to action.

Lonzo Ball’s expected NBA return

According to the latest update, Lonzo Ball is expected to return to running in January. Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan revealed that Lonzo was back in town last week. He also voiced optimism, claiming that the latest procedure on his knee worked brilliantly. “The pain that he was experiencing has been eliminated,” Donovan said. That is a huge step for Lonzo towards his recovery, considering he was experiencing chronic pain with everyday activities for at least a year. His latest cartilage procedure will speed up his return to action.

Despite the positive update, Lonzo will not make his NBA return this season. His road to recovery is long, and it will take some more time for his knee to heal completely. Lonzo has not played an NBA game since January 14, 2022. So, even if he does make a full recovery, it will take some time for him to get back in game shape. Lonzo is hopeful about returning to the court next season.

Read More: Shaquille O’Neal, Who Dissed Lonzo Ball’s Father in 2017, Enjoys NBA Star’s Savage Taunt to Stephen a Smith

Lonzo Ball’s career has been full of obstacles

Lonzo Ball had a hot start to his career. He was drafted number 2 overall in the 2017 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Lonzo was picked ahead of future superstars, including Jayson Tatum. DeAaron Fox and Donovan Mitchell. But he failed to deliver in his rookie season and was immediately deemed a bust. After spending two years in LA, Lonzo joined the New Orleans Pelicans. He redeemed his career with the Pelicans and became a solid two-way player. Lonzo also improved his shooting and slowly started showing the world why he was the number 2 pick.

He then moved to Chicago in 2021. Just when things were starting to pick up for the 26-year-old, Lonzo injured his knee. He has been out of action ever since. It has been a tough road for Lonzo Ball, and the NBA world is hoping for his speedy recovery so that he can get back to playing the sport he loves.

Watch This Story: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Deliver Jrue Holiday His Revenge Game – 3 Takeaways as Celtics Crush Bucks to Claim East