DeMar DeRozan Makes Honest Lonzo Ball Statement After Kings-Bulls Game

DeMar DeRozan spoke about Lonzo Ball after Sunday's win.
Jan 1, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) looks on during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Jan 1, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) looks on during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images / Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

On Sunday afternoon, DeMar DeRozan made his return to Chicago when the Sacramento Kings faced off against the Bulls at the United Center.

DeRozan had spent his previous three seasons with the franchise.

He finished the 124-119 victory with 21 points and three assists while shooting 9/20 from the field and 1/3 from the three-point range in 37 minutes of playing time.

After the game, DeRozan spoke about his former teammate Lonzo Ball when he met with the media.

DeRozan: "I know how frustrated he was; just being hurt, having surgery after surgery, rehabbing, things not going right... To see him out there, starting, playing. There's been many times in the summer where I went over to ZO's house. Just chilled with him, talked with him, just try to keep his mind on straight. You gotta give that guy a lot of credit. The patience, the hard work that he put into that to be able come out here and play this season and be starting. It says a lot about him."

Ball made his return to the starting lineup for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

The former UCLA star finished the loss with 15 points, one rebound, three assists and one block while shooting 5/9 from the field in 26 minutes of playing time.

Via StatMuse: "Lonzo Ball today:

15 PTS
5-8 3P

His first start in over 1,000 days."

The Kings and Bulls will have one more meeting on March 20 (in Sacramento).

DeRozan has also spent time with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors over 16 years.


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Ben Stinar
BEN STINAR

Ben Stinar is the NBA reporter for Fastbreak on FanNation.