By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Determined to play again in the NBA, Lonzo Ball countered concerns hinting to the opposite with significant progress.
Ball, 26, has been sidelined due to injury and multiple surgeries in his left knee since midway through the 2021-22 Regular Season, a few months after being traded to the Chicago Bulls. In a big step toward finally returning to action, he increased the workload in individual practices with positive feedback from the medical staff adding to the optimism for a comeback.
“Some of the workouts have been really positive in terms of running, cutting, jumping, doing those things,” confirmed Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, “So, he’s progressed into that and responded well. Some of the things the medical guys have shown me, they say he looks good moving.”
“I am very happy for him for his progress for where he is at,” added the 58-year-old tactician, “He has worked hard to put himself in this position. Hopefully, he will continue to progress like he is progressing.”
The former UCLA standout has been ruled out of the 2023-24 campaign. However, early signs of playing at some point in the 2024-25 season are encouraging.
“He’s cutting and running and doing some of that stuff now, obviously it’s all controlled, there’s no contact, but he is doing running and things like that,” concluded Donovan.
Under the contract signed in 2021 to complete his move to Windy City, Ball carries a player option worth nearly 22 million dollars for the 2024-25 season.