After undergoing three knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant, and missing two entire NBA seasons, Lonzo Ball is officially back on the court. The 26-year-old Chicago Bulls point guard returned to action during the Bulls’ 125-123 pre-season victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking his first game in 1,006 days. Playing just over 15 minutes, Ball scored 10 points, signaling a hopeful return to form.
Lonzo's story continues 🙏@PaycorInc | @ZO2_ pic.twitter.com/lF4yfRT8xe
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 17, 2024
He seemed lost for words immediately after the game, sharing: “Can’t really put into words how it felt to be out there. I’m just blessed … Just to see the crowd and all the love I get from the city, you can’t replicate that in any type of way.”
Reflecting on his journey back, Ball acknowledged the support he received from the Bulls organization, saying, “The Bulls could have just pushed me to the side. Instead, they’ve been with me the whole way”.
During Ball’s absence, the Bulls struggled, finishing both seasons with losing records and failing to make the playoffs, being eliminated twice in the play-in tournament. His return brings hope to the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Since being selected with the 2nd overall pick in the 2017 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Ball has shown great promise, but his career has been marred by injuries. His last full season before the setbacks was in 2020/21 with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. Ball’s final game before the injuries was on 15th January 2022 when scoring 15 points against the Golden State Warriors.