CHICAGO (670 The Score) – As he continues to rehab after undergoing three surgeries on his left knee in the past 21 months, Bulls guard Lonzo Ball continues to hold the belief that he'll be healthy enough to return to action in the 2024-'25 season.
Ball has essentially been ruled out of playing in this upcoming 2023-'24 season, with the Bulls announcing they have no expectation of him returning in that time frame. For his part, Ball's focus is beyond that as well.
"I pretty much have this whole year to get as healthy as possible and be ready to go next season," Ball said Monday at Bulls media day.
The 25-year-old Ball's most recent operation was a cartilage transplant in his left knee in March, a procedure that's considered a last-ditch effort to save his playing career. Considering how devastating the injuries have been for a player who loves basketball as much as Ball, he was in pretty good spirits Monday. He was buoyed by being around his Bulls teammates as a new season gets going.
"I'm feeling pretty good," Ball said of his physical health. "I'm probably about halfway through the rehab process. I still have a long ways ahead of me, but each week, I've been progressing. I'm just trying to stay positive and take it day by day.
"Rehab has been long. It feels like every day is almost the same, but like I said, I'm getting better each week. That's all I can ask for. It definitely feels good to be around the guys."
Ball plans to split his time between Chicago and Los Angeles as he continues his rehab this season. He enjoys being around the team, but his rehab specialist is in Los Angeles.
Ball is in the third season of a four-year, $80-million deal that he inked in summer 2021, when the Bulls landed him in a sign-and-trade deal with the Pelicans. Ball was the catalyst of the Bulls' success in the first half of the 2021-'22 season before he was hurt, averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 42.3% from 3-point range.
Ball missed all of the 2022-'23 season and hasn't played in a game since Jan. 14, 2022. As bleak as his health outlook seems, Ball remains steadfast in his belief that he'll play again.
"Yeah, I definitely plan on playing again," Ball said. "Like I said, I'm only 25. I feel like the rehab process has been going well so far – no setbacks. So for me, it's just keeping my head up and just keeping doing the work."
Cody Westerlund is an editor for 670TheScore.com and covers the Bulls. Follow him on Twitter @CodyWesterlund.
