Billy Donovan shares a positive update on Lonzo Ball's rehab

Any piece of news involving the Chicago Bulls' injured starting point guard Lonzo Ball is sure to be of great interest to Bulls fans. Recently, head coach Billy Donovan shared an update on Ball's progress as he continues to rehab from knee surgery he underwent in late September to repair a nagging injury that caused him to miss most of last season.

Slow progress

Lonzo Ball has not played on an NBA court since January 14, 2023. So, to hear Donovan speak of his progress in rehab was a welcomed update. And unlike recent reports regarding his injury, it seems Lonzo might finally be on the right track.

"He is regularly on the court shooting, which has been good," Donovan said. "Actually, jumping a little bit while shooting. He's been doing some light jogging, and I think working through some of that stuff."

Lonzo Ball has recently done some light jogging and jumped “a little bit” while shooting, via @CodyWesterlund.

Good to hear some positive news 🙏 pic.twitter.com/g8PCmoeril
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 31, 2022

This news is a ray of sunlight in what has been an up-and-down season for the Bulls. The last update involving Ball detailed how the two-way guard was still experiencing some pain in his surgically-repaired knee. For the UCLA product to no longer experience any discomfort is a major step in the right direction for his eventual return to the hardwood.

"It is progressing, it's just really slow. But there has definitely been some improvements, and he's actually doing more physically than the last time we spoke," added Donovan.

Still no timeline for return

While everyone remains hopeful for Ball's comeback, there is still no timeline or definitive answer as to when he will make his triumphant return. While hearing Ball shoot and jump without any pain is excellent news, the next hurdle he has to clear is sprinting and changing directions without any trouble.

If and when he can do those, next up would be running and playing in live ball situations, beginning with one-on-one work before progressing to scrimmages and, eventually, game action.

For now, Bulls fans must remain patient as Ball continues his journey back from injury.

Just spoke with Lonzo Ball, who participated in gift drive with ‘Fathers Families & Healthy Communities’

Updates: Knee has improved in D2D life. Has done some stationary shooting, which is new. Staying positive, but not where he wants to be yet and rehab timeline still uncertain pic.twitter.com/VnrGEsK5vD
— Rob Schaefer (@rob_schaef) December 21, 2022