Last year, Stephen A. Smith boldly claimed an end to Lonzo Ball‘s playing days, citing that the guard faces troubles in getting “up from the sitting position” because of his knee struggles. However, Ball responded to Smith by posting a video of himself doing the same and questioning the credibility of analysts’ take and his sources. “Stephen A., who are your sources, bro?” Lonzo said in the video while asking Smith to directly reach him in case he needs the latest and authentic updates. Moreover, Lonzo enthusiastically cited that he was “coming back” during the off-season.

Nevertheless, Ball has remained out of the Chicago Bulls lineup for nearly two-and-a-half years now and has a cloud of uncertainty looming over his career. However, in a recent unfolding, the pass-first guard opted into his $21.4 million player option for the coming season, extending his time with the Bulls for one more year. However, there are no signs that Lonzo Ball has recovered from his knee injury after all this time.

“Some of the workouts have been really, really positive and he has progressed,” Chicago Bulls’ head coach Billy Donovan declared, in a recent statement. Moreover, the coach claimed Ball was slowly being cleared for more intense practices. With that, fans hope Lonzo Ball to finally jot down a healthy stretch and live up to the promise he displayed during his half-season tenure with Chicago.

Before his injury, Ball posted 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals alongside newfound chemistry with DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Alex Caruso; all while improving his 3-point shot to a respectable 42.3% from the field.

Lonzo Ball’s injuries tend to bite him back

Lonzo Ball’s consistent struggles to get a green light from the medical staff act as a blemish on the Bulls’ salary cap. The 26-year-old underwent three surgeries on his left knee since playing just 31 games in the 2021-22 season, with his cartilage transplant cutting short his aspirations to make a 2023-24 comeback.

His first off-court stints began in January 2022, requiring him to undergo surgery and repair his left knee meniscus. Despite being deemed out for just 6-8 weeks, Lonzo was not able to retain adequate health and sat out the remaining season.

Trending

“Could Hear Jeanie Buss & Rob Pelinka Chuckling”: LeBron James Declared to Be Manipulating NBA World With Obvious Bluff

May 17, 2024 12:58 PM EDT

Countdown Starts for Charles Barkley and TNT Crew as Ernie Johnson Makes Heartfelt Confession Before Parting

May 16, 2024 06:00 AM EDT

Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era

May 17, 2024 10:54 PM EDT

Caitlin Clark in Deep Waters as Indiana Fever Shatter Embarrassing WNBA Record After Defeat Against Sabrina Ionescu and Co.

May 17, 2024 07:05 AM EDT

Exclusive: Shaquille O’Neal Has Big Plans to Dethrone Nike With Allen Iverson & Reebok, Ex-Agent Reveals

May 17, 2024 02:15 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Moreover, just when fans expected him to mark a return, the coming September forced the PG to undergo an arthroscopic debridement because of consistent pain in his knee. The same condition extended till the previous off-season, which saw Lonzo back out from his promise of returning for the 2023-24 season.

Now, with Ball leaning toward seeing the court, there is an underlying expectation to see him dish highlight-worthy dimes on the court. However, there are zero assurances around the notion of his injury not coming back and disrupting his presence on the court.