76ers Rival Bulls Receive Bad News on Injured Guard Lonzo Ball

When the Philadelphia 76ers prepared to take on the Chicago Bulls in early January, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan offered a detailed update on the team’s injured guard, Lonzo Ball.

To summarize Donovan’s update, Ball was better physically, but the lack of progress over time continued pushing back his 2022-2023 season debut. And when asked about a timetable, Donovan wasn’t sure when Ball would return to the court.

At this point, it’s clear that Ball will not play this season. In late February, the Bulls officially shut down Ball for the year. The last time he appeared on the court was January 14, 2021, in a matchup against the Golden State Warriors.

Chicago had hoped that the extended time off would allow Ball to be ready in time for next season after he underwent multiple surgeries for his knee injury. Unfortunately, a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reveals that another surgical procedure for Ball could be in play.

“There is a growing possibility that Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball will need a third surgical procedure on his right knee that likely would require another six months of recovery and rehabilitation, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

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The belief is that a third surgery is likely necessary to give the former No. 2 overall draft pick his best opportunity to play again, sources said.”

After starting his career with the Los Angeles Lakers and developing further with the New Orleans Pelicans, Ball was one of the key pieces on a contender-hopeful team in the Bulls. When the guard was healthy, he averaged 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists while knocking down 42 percent of his threes in 35 games.

When Ball was healthy, the Bulls carried an impressive 22-13 record. They finished the year at 46-36 last season. This year, Chicago is 30-36, placing 11th in the Eastern Conference. While their problems run deeper than the absence of Ball, the standout point guard would add a lot more value to Chicago on both sides of the floor.

Ball’s future remains unclear as his knee is still a significant concern. As a third surgery could potentially be in play, Chicago has a lot of question marks moving forward.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.