Lonzo Ball Plans To Play On Opening Night For Bulls

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball told NBA reporters at media day that he plans to play on opening night this season. 

Ball hasn’t played in an NBA game since January 14, 2022.

Lonzo Ball when asked if he’ll be in uniform on Opening Night.

“Yeah, that’s the goal. Can’t tell the future but that’s the plan I’m on and I think I’ll be ready for the first game.” pic.twitter.com/IBCnU2I2Ae

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 30, 2024

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.

A UCLA product, Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.9 blocks for Chicago in 2021-22 in 35 games while shooting 42.3% from the field, 42.3% from beyond the arc and 75.0% from the free-throw line.

Ball has career averages of 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.6 blocks with the Los Angeles Lakers, Pelicans and Bulls. He was the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Lakers. 

The Bulls missed the playoffs in 2023 and 2024 without Ball, who underwent a cartilage transplant in his left knee. Ball received a meniscus transplant from a donor.

“There was no more meniscus left and bone on bone was rubbing,” Ball said on his podcast in May. “The cartilage was gone and the bone was messed up, so I had to get a new meniscus from a donor. I had to get a bone allograft and I had to get some new cartilage put in as well.”

Ball will make $21.4 million next season in the final year of his contract.

The Bulls face the Cleveland Cavaliers to open up the preseason on October 8. Their first real game is on October 23 versus the Pelicans. 

The entire NBA world is rooting for Ball to come back from his serious knee injury. The Bulls need him if they want to make the playoffs again. 

Chicago will look different this season, as DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond are no longer on the team.