Lonzo Ball remains upbeat despite being away from competitive basketball for the longest time in his life
Being away from the game you love can be difficult, especially when you’re used to the high intensity of competitive basketball. But Lonzo Ball is staying positive despite not being able to suit up for the Chicago Bulls since January 14, 2022. After going through two knee surgeries last year, the former UCLA star has kept himself busy during this challenging period by focusing on his skills and putting in the work necessary to get back on the court.
Staying positive
It's been a little over a year since Ball tore the meniscus in his knee. Since then, it's been a seemingly endless cycle of rehab and recovery for the young point guard. But, rather than letting it get him down, Ball has taken this opportunity to keep his body in peak condition and his mind sharp.
“I can’t focus on the negative right now,” Ball said. “I mean, it’s the longest I’ve ever been out. I’ve been playing basketball my whole life, so for me, it’s a lot, especially just watching the guys every night and watching them go on planes and come back and stuff. And I’m always just watching practice, I feel like. I’ve just got to stay positive and do what I can to get on the court.’’
Ball's road to recovery has been long and arduous, measured in steps rather than in miles. But it's a journey he has embraced and is making the most of, all while staying positive and looking forward to getting back on the court soon.
“I mean, naturally, yeah, everything is on a time schedule,” Ball added. “But I’m trying to stay positive, keep my hopes up. I would love to play. I would never count that out. It’s a long year, I feel like we’re hitting our stride right now. So hopefully, I can keep getting better, the team will keep getting better, and we can meet up.”
Significant improvements
Ball recently posted footage of himself dunking and running on a treadmill—all good signs of significant improvements in his knee. Though he still has a ways to go before rejoining the team, Ball is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that when he does return, it will be at full strength.
“That was my first time running in pretty much a year. So just for me, it was positive just to get on a treadmill and do something. It’s not my normal gait. Obviously, I’ve got to work through that. There’s going to be pain there because of the surgeries, and I’m getting back in and moving things. But I’m just trying to stay positive and move forward,’’ Ball concluded.
