(670 The Score) The Bulls on Tuesday morning officially shut down injured guard Lonzo Ball for the remainder of the season, meaning he’ll miss the entirety of the 2022-’23 campaign.
The news was expected, as Ball hasn’t played in a game since Jan. 14, 2022 due to a chronic left knee injury. Ball, 25, had surgery in late January 2022 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, but his rehab process stalled during the offseason as his knee health didn’t make significant process. Ball then had an arthroscopic debridement procedure in his left knee in late September and has been rehabbing since, but he continues to experience discomfort when ramping up activities.
“Despite making significant increases in strength and function over the past several months, Bulls guard Lonzo Ball continues to experience performance-limiting discomfort during participation in high level basketball-related activities,” Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said in a statement. “Considering the required time period to achieve the necessary level of fitness to return-to-play and the current stage of the NBA season, Ball will not return this season. The focus for Ball will continue to be on the resolution of his discomfort and a full return for the 2023-‘24 season.”
Ball played in 35 games last season, averaging 13 points and 5.1 assists while also shooting 42.3% from 3-point range on high volume. He’s the catalyst of the Bulls’ transition game, a superb passer and a strong defender.
Without Ball, the Bulls have struggled this season. With 23 games remaining in their regular season, the Bulls are 26-33 and sit 11th in the East.
Ball is in the second season of a four-year, $80-million contract.
Cody Westerlund is a sports editor for 670TheScore.com and covers the Bulls. Follow him on Twitter @CodyWesterlund.
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