Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is expected to miss the entire 2023-24 season after electing to undergo a third left knee surgery.
Signing a four-year, $80 million deal with the Chicago Bulls ahead of the start of the 2021-22 season, former second overall pick Lonzo Ball has barely played for Chicago.
After playing in 35 games during his first season with the organization, Ball suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee and was forced to miss the remainder of the year.
Then after having his initial surgery in January 2022, Ball underwent a second procedure in September 2022 to address pain and discomfort he was still having.
Now, Lonzo Ball is reportedly set to undergo a third left knee procedure that could very likely sideline him through the 2023-24 season, which would mark the second consecutive season he has missed, this according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Undergoing a third surgery in the last 14 months, the Bulls, Ball and the doctors are optimistic that third third procedure will finally correct the pain an discomfort Lonzo Ball has had to deal with over the last year.
A third surgery had been looming for Ball, as he had been mulling the decision over the last few weeks.
This is certainty not good news for the Chicago Bulls as an organization though, as being without Lonzo Ball for another year will certainty change their outlook heading into the offseason.
The Bulls are currently 31-37 on the season, 0.5 games back of the Washington Wizards for the 10-seed in the Eastern Conference. Chicago will very likely be a first-round exit in the postseason should they even make the playoffs, which is why changes are on the horizon.
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan will both enter the offseason as key stars to keep tabs on in trade conversations across the NBA, as All-Star center Nikola Vucevic is set to become an unrestricted free agent should he and the Bulls not agree to an extension between now and the end of the season.
Once thought to be the next best point guard in the NBA, Lonzo Ball now faces a scenario in which a third failed surgery could mean the end to his career.
Source: si.com
