Apr 10, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Chicago Bulls at Minnesota Timberwolves
(New York, NY) — Another day, another Lonzo Ball surgery.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bulls point guard may need to undergo a third surgical procedure on his left knee.
Ball, hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since Jan. 14, 2022, and has been ruled out for the season. He’s undergone two surgeries the past 14 months. The belief is that a third surgery is necessary to give him a chance at returning to the league.
The 25-year-old’s original timetable was 6-8 weeks, and about 59 weeks later, it appears that his next chance to play will be in October.
Wojnarowski adds the Bulls and Klutch Sports (the agency that represents Ball) are “working together and consulting with specialists” before a final decision is made. The parties are expected to more clarity by the end of the month.
Ball and the Bulls organization have reportedly been “perplexed” by the prolonged recovery. The California native hasn’t been able to run, jump, or cut without experiencing discomfort in his knee.
If it wasn’t concerning already, the NBA future of Ball appears to have legit concerns. He’s currently in the second season of a four-year, $80 million free agent contract with the Bulls.