Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball likely will miss another year of action, The Athletic reported Thursday, after multiple outlets confirmed the former No. 2 overall draft pick is set for a third knee surgery since last taking the court.
Ball, 25, hasn’t played in an NBA game in more than a year, last playing for the Bulls Jan. 14, 2022. He was close to ramping up the intensity of his rehab in February before having another setback.
A third knee surgery was considered likely early this month, with the upcoming procedure now set to take place, according to reports.
The new surgery is expected to keep the UCLA product from playing for most, if not all, of the 2023-24 season, according to The Athletic.
The Bulls acquired Ball in a sign-and-trade deal with the New Orleans Pelicans in August 2021. After signing a four-year, $80 million deal, Ball sparked the Bulls to a 27-13 start before knee issues bumped him to the sideline.
Ball began up-ramp for a possible return in January, progressing to running full speed on a treadmill and even dunking in workouts. But before he was scheduled to advance to group workouts, the Bulls had to shut Ball down in February.
The Chino Hills, Calif., native was a first-round draft pick in 2017 by his hometown Los Angeles Lakers and has played 252 career games, including 35 with the Bulls.
–Field Level Media