22 months ago Lonzo Ball signed a four-year, $85 million contract with the Chicago Bulls and seemed on pace for basketball superstardom. But today, his entire career may be in jeopardy.
The Bulls announced this week that Ball is not expected to return to the team next season as he recovers from a leg injury that’s been plaguing him since April 2022.
Ball underwent cartilage replacement therapy this past March on his left knee – the same knee that suffered a torn meniscus over a year ago.
The basketball world is understandably concerned that Ball’s career could be at risk now with him expected to miss two consecutive NBA seasons. Many have taken to Twitter to express how sorry they feel for the young man:
Wow man that’s sad. Such a good guy I wish him the best and hope he can figure this injury out.
— E.P. the Dreamer (@EPtheDreamer) June 23, 2023
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you hate to see it, hope he gets better
— brandon (@yslbodybags) June 23, 2023
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Nah man we do not like to see this 😔
— Ethical Hoops🏆 (only takes Ws) (@EthicalHoopz) June 23, 2023
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Saddest part about this is he was playing his best basketball. Turned into a legit shooter. Damn injuries.
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) June 23, 2023
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Bruh no 😭 pic.twitter.com/11M39U3gsS
— Colin AKA GhostPanda (@GhostPandaStorm) June 23, 2023
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Prior to his injury, Lonzo Ball was playing some of the best basketball of his career. He had been averaging over 13 points per game over the past two seasons and was on-pace for career-highs in shooting before his meniscus tear.
We can only hope that Ball is able to come back and continue to improve on the superb form he was in back in 2022.
But if we have to wait all the way until 2024 or even 2025 for him to return, that won’t be easy for him.
Get well soon, Lonzo!