The Chicago Bulls are shutting down guard Lonzo Ball for the remainder of the season. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium first reported the news, and the Bulls followed it up with their own announcement shortly after.
Pain and discomfort have persisted in Ball’s left knee following two surgeries at the beginning and end of 2022, and there is just not enough time left in the season for him to make a return.
Lonzo Ball has averaged 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in 252 NBA games played, according to Basketball Reference. He last played in a 42-point loss to the Golden State Warriors at the United Center in early 2022, where he logged 15 points, two rebounds and three assists in about 23.5 minutes played.
The Bulls and Executive Vice President Of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas released this statement following Charania's tweet.
“Despite making significant increases in strength and function over the past several months, Bulls guard Lonzo Ball continues to experience performance limiting discomfort during participation in high level basketball-related activities,” Karnisovas wrote. “Considering the required time period to achieve the necessary level of fitness to return-to-play and the current stage of the NBA season, Ball will not return this season.
“The focus for Ball will continue to be on the resolution of his discomfort and a full return for the 2023-24 season.”
It's hard to be optimistic about Lonzo Ball returning at full health for the 2023-24 season, but the Bulls are just going to have to be patient and hope it happens. Chicago enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2021-22 season with Ball in the lineup, but his injury has been a major thorn in the team's side.
The Bulls are 26-33 and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. They just added Patrick Beverley to help the guard position with Ball out for the season.