Report: Bulls expected to shut down Lonzo Ball for season
The Chicago Bulls are expected to shut down guard Lonzo Ball for the remainder of the season, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Chicago Bulls are expected to shut down guard Lonzo Ball for the remainder of the season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Pain and discomfort have persisted in Ball’s left knee following two surgeries at the beginning and end of 2022.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 21, 2023
The 25-year-old Ball has missed all of the season due to continued discomfort in his surgically repaired knee while doing basketball activites.
Ball appeared in 35 games last season with the Bulls before having to undergo surgery on his knee. He has since not played in a game since Jan. 14, 2022 and the team has struggled to replicate his production at the point guard position.
In a statement from the team, Chicago Bulls Executive Vice President – Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas said: "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. 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.”