Lonzo Ball Responds to Bulls' Tribute After First Game Back in Chicago

The new Cleveland Cavaliers guard made his return to Chicago on Thursday

Oct 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball (2) talks to Chicago Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls made just one significant trade during the 2025 NBA offseason, as they did a one-for-one swap with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bulls sent Lonzo Ball to Cleveland in exchange for Isaac Okoro, giving them some much-needed help on the wing while attempting to fix their overloaded backcourt.

While Ball never made a huge on-court impact in Chicago, playing just 70 regular-season games through four years, he was shown plenty of love from the organization in his first game back in the city.

Feb 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Lonzo Ball (2) hits a three point shot against Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during overtime at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Lonzo Ball's Chicago homecoming

On Thursday night, Ball returned to Chicago for the first time since getting traded this offseason, as the Cavaliers and Bulls matched up for their second preseason meeting in three days. To show love for the 27-year-old point guard, the Bulls showed a tribute video during Thursday's matchup, and the fans at United Center showered him with love as well.

Bulls give a nice video tribute to Lonzo Ball in his return to the UC pic.twitter.com/St70g6H6D9

— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) October 10, 2025

After the game, Ball responded to the gesture from the Bulls to give him a tribute video, and reciprocated the love to the city and his former franchise.

"Felt good, man. There's a lot of love in Chicago, obviously. Definitely appreciate the tribute video," Ball said. "Enjoyed my time here, and I wish them the best moving forward. I mean, those relationships are gonna last forever. Made some good friends here, for sure. I was here for a good amount of time. So, like I said, I just wish them the best, wish the city the best, and just all positive vibes moving forward."

Wishing you the best, @ZO2_ 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Jr3xiNoUWs

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 10, 2025

Ball has been in the spotlight since his high school days, and had an incredible story during his Bulls tenure. Ball returned to basketball after a two-year absence, and despite many people believing he would never play again, he completed one of the best recent NBA stories by playing 35 games for the Bulls last season.

Sure, Ball's on-court impact with the Bulls was limited, but it is clear how much of an off-court impact he had on the franchise, and the city and fanbase had on him. In his first game back, Ball dropped three points, three rebounds, and three assists off the bench. While he is now with the Cavaliers, Bulls fans are certainly wishing the best for him, and it will be interesting to see how his debut season in Cleveland goes.

As for the Bulls, they continue their preseason action on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks, while Ball and the Cavaliers will not return to Chicago again until mid-December.