Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is set to undergo a third surgery on his left knee and could miss the entire 2023-24 season. to Shams Charania. Adrian Wojnarowski also reported that he could be sidelined for an entire season and that “there are concerns about Ball’s ability to resume his career”.
Ball has not played since January 14, 2022 and was already ruled out for the remainder of the 2022-23 season. When Bulls lead executive Arturas Karnsovas announced on February 21 that Ball would not be returning, his prepared statement read in part: “The focus for Ball will remain on resolving his discomfort and making a full return for the 2023-24 season.”
Last week, ESPN reported that Ball would likely need another operation, along with “months of recovery and rehabilitation,” but his story didn’t mention the possibility that he could miss most or all of next season.
Ball joined the Bulls in a sign-and-trade in the summer of 2021 and due to an early return it was a match made in heaven. He averaged 13 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 35 games last season and shot 42.3% from 3-point range at high volume. The ball forced turnovers, picked up the pace and spread the ground, and without it, Chicago’s defense — and a previously charmed season — fell apart on the stretch. This year, the Bulls figured out how to stop in his absence, but they’ve desperately missed him on offense.
Ball, the number 2 in the 2017 draft, is 25 years old and would still be nearing his prime had it not been for this series of setbacks. He was one of the league’s most creative passers and top rebound guard from Day 1, and by the time he got injured in his fifth season he had become an all-defense contender and a dependable 3-point shooter.
According to ESPN, Ball is still unable to run, cut or jump without pain. If he does indeed miss all of next season, he will be in a contract year when he returns. Ball has a $21.4 million player option for 2024-25.