There is an increasing likelihood that Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball will require a third surgical procedure on his left knee, which will require six months of recovery and rehabilitation, sources told ESPN on Thursday.
Ball, who hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since January 14, 2022 and is out for the 2022-23 season, has had two surgeries on that troublesome knee in the past 14 months. The belief, sources said, is that a third surgery is necessary to give the former No. 2 overall draft pick a chance to play again.
The Bulls and Ball’s representatives, along with Clutch Sports, are working together and consulting with experts before making a final decision on surgery, but a process slated for sometime this month will allow Ball to return next season, the sources said. Ramping up is likely to be delayed further.
Ball, 25, has made incremental progress in recent months but is not yet able to run, cut or jump without experiencing pain. He is completing the second season of a four-year, $80 million free agent contract with the Bulls – a deal that began 2021-22 with tremendous promise.
In his first season since arriving from the New Orleans Pelicans, Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds and shot 42% on 3-pointers. He played a key role on offense and defense in leading Chicago to a 27–13 record before being injured.
Since Ball’s absence, the Bulls have struggled and are now 30–36, 11th in the Eastern Conference.
