Lonzo Ball gets candid about potential retirement as Bulls star set to miss entire season

Lonzo Ball last played for the bulls against the Golden State Warriors in January 2022.

Lonzo Ball gets candid about potential retirement as Bulls star set to miss entire season

Lonzo Ball. (Credit-CBS Sports)

Chicago Bulls‘ point guard Lonzo Ball has spoken about his future with the Bulls and his injuries. Ball remains resolute in his comeback bid, despite enduring three knee surgeries. During the team’s media day, the 25-year-old exuded optimism about his ongoing recovery, reaffirming his commitment to return to the spotlight.

Ball last played in January 2022 but faced persistent knee issues, leading to 3 surgeries, including a significant cartilage replacement in March this year. Despite the absence, Ball still remains under contract for two more seasons with the Bulls. In his absence, the Bulls still face the challenging task of identifying a suitable and dynamic point guard.

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“I definitely plan on playing again,” Ball said, reminding the journalist that he is just 25. “After surgery three, I feel like it’s going well so far, no setbacks. So for me, it’s just keep my head up, just keep doing the work. The surgery was a really big surgery,” Ball said. “We all came together with a plan moving forward. It’s not really a set timeline, but I pretty much have this whole year to get as healthy as possible and get ready to play next season.”

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As the oldest ”Ball brother” focuses on rehabilitation, the Bulls look ahead to an important camp, aiming to find a leader in his absence. The team’s search for a point guard intensifies, underscoring the significance of a hard and competitive training session.

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How bad was Lonzo Ball’s injury?

The last time Lonzo Ball played an NBA game was against the Golden State Warriors in January 2022 where he tore his meniscus. Since then, Ball has been out of the league. While the 2023-24 season is right around the corner, it has now been confirmed by the Bulls organization and Ball himself that he will miss this entire season due to his injury, for which he has already undergone 3 surgeries including a cartilage replacement.

The enigmatic nature of Ball’s injury has baffled medical doctors nationwide. Tristan Thompson, a former Bulls player, a few months back had disclosed on ESPN that doctors consulted by Ball and his agent, Rich Paul, were initially unable to diagnose the root cause of his persistent knee pain.

Lonzo Ball. (Credit-WGN Radio)

Ball has already gone through 3 knee injuries since he got injured followed by countless number of rehabs. Out of all three, Ball said the last one was a really big surgery. While speaking with the media, Ball said, “The surgery was a really big surgery. We were all together and came together with a plan moving forward. It’s not really I wouldn’t say a set timeline. But I pretty much have this whole year to get as healthy as possible and be ready to go next season. So like I said, I’m taking each week just trying to stay positive and take it like that. I know I’ll be going back and forth from here and LA just because that’s what my rehab person is out there. I’ll be with the team sometimes and out there sometimes but I don’t have to set dates yet.“

The Bulls organization hope that Ball can get healthy throughout the course of his year, with next season as the likely goal date for his potential return.

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