Report: Lonzo Ball Could Miss Most of Next Season After Third Knee Surgery
The Bulls star has not played since January of 2022.
Bulls guard Lonzo Ball will undergo a third surgical procedure on his left knee that is expected to cost him most of the 2023–24 season, according to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski added that there are concerns about Ball’s ability to continue his basketball career, but doctors are hopeful that this third procedure would enhance Ball’s chances of playing again.
ESPN initially reported the news last week that Ball was considering going under the knife once again for his third surgery in the last 14 months. The Bulls guard has not played in a game since January of 2022.
The expectation heading into this season for Chicago was that Ball would eventually be able to suit up and play. However, lingering soreness paused Ball’s progression toward getting back onto the floor, and now he will likely be sidelined for at least most of next season as he rehabs his upcoming surgery.
Ball has averaged 11.9 points, 6.2 assists and 5.7 rebounds in stints with the Lakers, Pelicans and Bulls since coming into the league as the No. 2 pick in 2017.