The Latest Breaking News from Lonzo Ball

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan says that Ball is still "nowhere near" playing.

Coach Billy Donovan was holding out hope that Ball’s left-knee rehab really picks up, but the reality of the situation was not good. “He’s nowhere near playing; he’s just not,’’ Donovan said Saturday. He also pointed out that a decision could be reached on Ball’s season at the All-Star break.

While DeRozan would like having injured players like Lonzo Ball and Javonte Green back in uniform, he’s not dwelling on it. DeRozan is from the school of out of sight, out of mind.

DeMar DeRozan is the obvious choice for first-half MVP, but the most pivotal moment for the Bulls this season was provided by another veteran.

We also asked whether or not Billy Donovan is the coach the Bulls need. Last, we asked for your weekend upset pick in the NFL: Jaguars, Giants, Bengals or Cowboys?

Ball said on Monday that he would be all for simply being dropped into a playoff series if it does take him that long to return from a second left knee surgery. Coach Billy Donovan, however, all but ruled that scenario out, as the organization will play the long game…

Ball is hopeful that he'll return to the court this season.

Playing just one game in six days like the Bulls are this week would usually disrupt the season flow for DeRozan. In this case, however, it’s given him time to heal up and time to spend with his family in Paris.

Ball wouldn’t rule out a return this season, and emphasized that it remained his hope to be back in time for a late-season playoff push. But he was also real on Monday, admitting that there was still some obstacles to clear on his rehab path from multiple left knee surgeries.

Ball posted videos of himself running on a treadmill, box-jumping, dunking and boxing. But before there’s too much excitement, Donovan pointed out the many obstacles Ball still faces before he can return from two knee surgeries.

Ball has yet to return from his knee injury that occurred a year ago.