The Chicago Bulls were holding out hope that Lonzo Ball would be able to return to the lineup at some point this season, but that hope has been extinguished. Ball was officially announced out for the remainder of the 2022-23 NBA season earlier this week because of discomfort in his knee.
Ball underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee before the season and there was optimism that he would only need a few weeks to recover. However, that positive progress never occurred as the mystery surrounding his knee ailment continues.
The issue first began in January 2022 when Ball was diagnosed with a meniscus injury. He underwent surgery and was expected to be sidelined for a few weeks. His health never improved, and he was announced out for the remainder of the season.
Recovery timelines being extended happen fairly regularly, so no red flags were raised. However, when Ball was still unable to do regular everyday activities such as walking up a flight of stairs without pain, it became worrisome.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Lonzo Ball & Chicago Bulls Updates
Ball has made some small improvements, but is still not able to do any basketball activities. Unable to ramp up his basketball activities, it comes as no surprise that Ball was announced out for the remainder of the season.
“Despite making significant increases in strength and function over the past several months, Ball continues to experience performance limiting discomfort during participation in high-level basketball-related activities,” Bulls vice president Arturas Karnisovas said in a team statement. “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.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Lonzo Ball & Chicago Bulls Updates
It is certainly concerning that no real progress has been made more than 13 months after the first surgery. But, it sounds as if Ball is dealing with a unique knee injury that doctors have never previously come across.
“Lonzo Ball’s agent told Tristan Thompson that doctors all over the country said Lonzo’s knee injury is a “unique injury that they have never seen before.”
With no previous examples of how to fix the knee pain that Ball is having, this is something that could go on for a few more weeks or months even. It has been over a year and no real progress has been made, so patience will have to continue to be exhibited until an answer can be found.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here.
