The Chicago Bulls have applied for a disabled player exception worth $10.2 million since Lonzo Ball is expected to miss the entire 2023-24 season, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Ball underwent a cartilage transplant in his left knee in March. The UCLA product missed the entire 2022-23 season.
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,” Bulls vice president Arturas 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.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Lonzo Ball & Chicago Bulls Updates
The Bulls went 40-42 last season. They missed the playoffs after making the postseason in 2022 for the first time since 2017.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
