Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball will undergo a fourth career left knee surgery, raising NBA retirement fears with the player set to miss most of the 2023/24 season.
The 25-year-old hasn't played since January 2022 and was only signed a year prior on a four-year deal worth $85million as part of a sign-and-trade agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans. Before his injury, Ball averaged 13 points for the team, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and the Bulls allowed 8.6 points fewer than when he was out.
Ball underwent surgery on the knee to repair a torn meniscus last year. In September, after enduring a painful summer attempting to rehab the knee, he underwent an arthroscopic debridement aimed at treating a nerve problem and clearing debris.
After attempting to return to the court after September’s surgery, Ball continued to experience discomfort and at one point tried changing his running gait. Videos of him running, dunking a basketball and performing hurdle drills during the winter were posted online.
Ball’s third surgery will cost him the 23/24 season, according to ESPN, and there are concerns about Ball’s ability to resume his career. There is, however, hope that surgery could give him a pathway to play again.
Ball has previously gone on record to say that he’s not concerned about a potential early retirement. “I just think it’s time-consuming,” Ball told NBC. “This is my third surgery, I had two last year. It’s about building that strength back up and the confidence in myself. I’m only 25, so I’m not too worried about (career-ending injury.)”
Ball is one of three sons of outspoken businessman and reality TV star LaVar. Younger brother LaMelo, 21, plays for the Charlotte Hornets, while LiAngelo, one year his junior, plays in the G League.
The Bulls have struggled since Ball's absence, and this season are 31-37 and 11th in the Eastern Conference. They lost to the Sacramento Kings in their last outing and the Minnesota Timberwolves are up next on Saturday.
The Bulls have 14 games to save their season and Ball will miss the opportunity to play LaMelo on April 1.
