Is Lonzo Ball’s Career Over?
Photo Credit: Michael Saenz via Fansides
Approximately a week ago, the Chicago Bulls regrettably announced that Lonzo Ball is expected to miss the entire 2023-24 season due to a lingering knee injury. Ball has yet to touch the hardwood since January 2022. He did not play a single minute of the 2022-23 season and might miss his second consecutive season. Bulls fans are left speechless at this recent news, as they had high hopes for Lonzo and the Bulls.
The second overall pick of the 2017 draft had been improving his game each season. Before his injury in 2022, he averaged 13 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals per game in the 2021-22 season. He was also shooting a career-high 42 percent from the field. His stats may not be overwhelming in just one single category, but his distributed stat lines are a testament to his impact on the floor. He contributes to all facets of the game, especially on the defensive end. His exciting playmaking style, coupled with his defensive versatility, assert him as an incredibly valuable asset to his team. However, the future of his career could be in serious jeopardy.
Since January 2022, the 25-year-old has undergone three separate surgeries on his left knee. Despite the concerted efforts towards his rehabilitation, Ball voiced his concerns regarding his knee in a 2022 interview. He shared that he has experienced intense pain simply by walking up and down the stairs on a daily basis - let alone running and jumping on the basketball court. He and his team have been baffled at the unpromising progress of his recovery. Ball mentioned that he has tried to remain optimistic while he continues his rehabilitation journey one day at a time.
Basketball fans can only hope that Lonzo will return to the court as quickly as possible. With his flashy assists and admirable humility, the NBA world is very fond of Lonzo. In light of the Denver Nuggets’ success, hopefully, Lonzo’s return can resemble that of Jamal Murray’s. Murray tore his ACL two years ago, leading to questions surrounding his future in the NBA. Yet just two weeks ago, Murray was one of the primary reasons why the Nuggets prevailed as NBA champions for the first time in franchise history. Unfortunately, injuries are inevitable in the world of sports. Lonzo’s impact on the court is undeniable, but the prospect of his return is not as conspicuous.
