(670 The Score) Bulls guard Lonzo Ball plans to visit a specialist next week to have his ailing, surgically repaired left knee further examined, he said Thursday at a season-ending exit interview.
Ball didn't play in a game after Jan. 14. He underwent left knee surgery in late January to repair a meniscus tear. The Bulls were initially hopeful to get him back late in the regular season, but Ball also suffered a bone bruise in the knee that continued to plague him and give him trouble in his rehab process. After taking steps forward in his rehab in late February coming out of the All-Star break, Ball's progress stalled by mid-March and the team eventually ruled him out for the season in early April.
"I'm kind of at a standstill right now," Ball said. "I'm supposed to be going to another specialist next week to try to figure some things out. I've kind of let it calm down for the last two weeks. I was going at it pretty hard trying to get back as fast as possible. But like I said, I'm at a standstill. I have pain. So I've got to get that figured out this summer for sure."
Ball was then asked if another surgery is possible.
"I'm not sure – hopefully not," Ball said. "I wouldn't want to have another one, but if that's what it takes, then I pretty much have no choice at this point."
Ball played in 35 games this season, averaging 13 points and 5.1 assists while also shooting 42.3% from 3-point range on high volume. Ball was crucial to the Bulls' identity, as he was a strong defender, the catalyst of their transition game that was so successful early on and then a floor spacer and connector of their offense in the half-court setting.
The Bulls were 22-13 when Ball played and 24-23 when he didn't in the regular season. Ball also watched from the sideline as the Bulls lost in five games to the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs.
"It's very frustrating," Ball said. "This year, we had a lot of promise I felt like and we had a lot of goals that I don't think was met – mainly due to a lot of health. But you can't change the past. I think everything happens for a reason. But for me, it's just about moving forward and getting ready for next year."
Cody Westerlund is a sports editor for 670TheScore.com and covers the Bulls. Follow him on Twitter @CodyWesterlund.
