Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball is expected to miss the entire 2023-24 NBA season, according to Bulls vice president Arturas Karnisovas.
Ball underwent a cartilage transplant in his left knee in March. The UCLA product missed the entire 2022-23 season.
“Our expectation is that he’s not coming back next season,” Karnisovas said on June 22. “He’s going to continue on his recovery. If he comes back, it would be great. But we’re just going to treat this offseason and get ready for the season that he’s not going to be back.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Lonzo Ball & Chicago Bulls Updates
Ball has undergone three surgeries on his left knee. The former Los Angeles Lakers star hasn’t played in an NBA game since January 14, 2022.
“My main focus has been on returning to the court and getting to a place where I can rejoin my teammates,” Ball said in March. “This has been a frustrating process, but I’m confident these next steps are the best path forward. The support of my family, friends, fans and medical staff throughout my recovery is what keeps me moving forward. I can’t wait to get back to what I love doing most – playing basketball.”
Ball signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Bulls in August 2021 as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. The 25-year-old averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 2021-22 while shooting 42.3% from the field, 42.3% from beyond the arc, and 75.0% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Lonzo Ball & Chicago Bulls Updates
The older brother of Charlotte Hornets All-Star LaMelo Ball, Lonzo has career averages of 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists with the Lakers, Pelicans and Bulls.
“I continue to admire Lonzo’s perseverance throughout this journey,” Karnisovas said in March. “This has been a long and challenging road for him, and this decision has been a difficult one to make. The organization is behind him, and he has our full support. Our training and medical staff continue their commitment to Lonzo’s rehabilitation and to working with him throughout this next phase to ensure his healthy return to basketball.”
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