Lonzo Ball, one of the promising point guards that the league majorly missed because of injuries, is ready for a return. The 26-year-old was forced to step away in January 2022. He had to go through surgery because of the bone bruise and meniscus tear. As the months followed, he underwent another two surgical procedures for his knee. He missed two whole seasons with the Bulls. But before the pandemic hit and the injury relapsed, Lonzo was a menace on the court. He put up 20.8 points, alongside just under 8 rebounds and assists on average in his final games before COVID!

That’s why he had declared, “That month before COVID, if you ask me, I think I’m the best point guard in the league.” Speaking of which, Lonzo’s back and it seems like he is back for good this time. The doctors had given him the green light to train this summer. The No.2 pick shared the court with Jaren Jackson Jr and Daniel Gafford to play 5v5 games and get up to speed.

The 26-year-old evidently seemed in good touch after sinking long rangers and making passes in the encouraging snippet from Overtime. After surpassing 942 days without stepping on the hoops court, Lonzo has given hope to his fans.

The 26-year-old revealed to TMZ Sports, a day ago, “(Fans can expect) me back on the court. That’s all I want to do.” The confidence that oozed from Lonzo’s voice when he said “going well” to the recovery question spoke volumes.

Keeping it in mind, it might be safe to say the Chicago Bulls guard will be there to save the day this season. Especially after DeMar DeRozan’s exit in the free agency, Lonzo’s return is crucial.

Can Lonzo Ball revive the hopes of the Chicago Bulls?

Lonzo was a ray of light for the Bulls when they got him in a trade from the Pelicans. Despite averaging 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, he hasn’t done justice to his 4-year $80 million contract. The time is ticking, and Lonzo Ball has only one year left. His injury woes date back to 2018, a year after his rookie season. So, teams will stay away in the future if he ends up leaving Chicago after a poor display.

DeMar DeRozan was an elite player despite his age. He put up 24 points last season, alongside averaging more than 5 assists. However, hell-bent on putting up a young core to spearhead the franchise, the next star-level expectations from the Bulls now lie in Lonzo Ball’s hands. He can collect the team to pull the Chicago side out of that mediocre shell.

Since 2014-15, the Bulls have not gone past the Conference Semi-Finals. All thanks to Lonzo Ball, they had hopes in the 2021-22 season. However, after his injury, they ended as the 6th seed, losing to the Bucks in the first playoff round. The downfall continued, and they finished 9th last season. Can Lonzo’s return mark a change in the legacy franchise’s history? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.