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The Chicago Bulls have been without PG Lonzo Ball all season. He had surgery to repair a small meniscus tear in his left knee a year ago. Just as it was seeming like Ball could be nearing his season debut, he is experiencing soreness. This likely setback comes at a bad time for the 21-24 Bulls, as they sit in fourth place in the central division.
Lonzo Ball injury updates
February 21 update - As expected, the Bulls have finally shut Ball down for the season. The future is murky for the point guard, who has not been able to recover from a meniscus injury and the Bulls medical staff has been unable to help him work through the pain. We’ll see how Chicago plays Ball’s situation over the offseason. He’s got one year plus a player option left on his contract after this season.
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
January 28 update - Head coach Billy Donovan says Ball is “nowhere close” to returning the court, and eventually the Bulls will have to shut him down for the season. Donovan says there’s no official cut-off date at this point but the team will have one if things don’t improve after the All-Star break.
Today's bleak Lonzo Ball update: Billy Donovan said before tonight's game that Lonzo is still "nowhere close" to returning.
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) January 28, 2023
Still no formal conversation about a cut-off date, but Billy said the Bulls will have one after the All-Star break if nothing improves by then.
Ball said on Monday that there is a possibility that he will be unable to play in the 2022-2023 season. While he has been sidelined, Chicago has deployed a tandem of Ayo Dosunmu, Alex Caruso and Goran Dragic. The trade deadline is approaching, so if Ball does indeed get shut down for the season, the Bulls could look at bringing in some extra help.
Ball is under contract for another two years in Chicago. He has only played in 35 games for the team while being under contract with the Bulls for two seasons. If Ball is able to shake this discomfort in his knee, he could provide a much-needed spark to the Chicago lineup.