Bulls Officially Rule Out Lonzo Ball for Season

As expected, Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball has been shut down for the rest of the season, the team announced in a press release.

Ball has been sidelined with a knee issue since January 2022 and has not yet appeared in a game this year.

“Despite making significant increases in strength and function over the past several months, Bulls guard Lonzo Ball continues to experience performance limiting discomfort during participation in high level basketball-related activities,” head of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said in a 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.”

This has been a big couple of days for the Bulls. They are adding guard Patrick Beverley (full story) and are expected to waive center Tony Bradley (full story).

The Ball news, of course, is less-than-ideal, given that he was their starter since arriving before the beginning of last season. His penchant for keeping the ball moving and defense are clearly missed, perhaps leading to the Beverley signing.

Ball underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee in January 2022, and the complications that followed have been brutal. Some around Chicago have bee questioning if he’ll ever return, or if he’ll be the same — or close to the same — when he does.

It appears that we won’t know until at least the start of next season.

Ball, 25, was averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists prior to the injury, appearing in 35 games in his first season with the Bulls.

He was acquired before the start of the 2021-22 season in a sign-and-trade with the Pelicans, making Chicago his third team since being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Ball is in the second year of a four-year contract worth about $85 million.

Injury Update: Lonzo 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."

Full Statement from Arturas Karnisovas:

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 21, 2023