Lonzo Ball is anticipated to resume running in January and remains upbeat as his recovery progresses

Lonzo visited the team last week and maintains confidence in his hopes of making a return

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

It's been a while since Lonzo Ball's name has been making such noise around the Chicago Bulls camp. As the team continues to embrace the roller coaster ride of their season, many Bulls fans seem to forget to wonder what has been the latest around Lonzo.

The last time that Lonzo was subjected to the news was nearly three months ago when he made a significant declaration that he is still planning to deliver a return. As such, this remark from him has gained significant progress, according to coach Billy Donovan.

Set for a significant step

Speaking in front of reporters prior to their Thursday loss against the Indiana Pacers, Donovan announced that Ball is set to begin running this upcoming January. But the most important detail around the sidelined point guard is that he is now finally pain-free.

"That’s the big thing," Donovan said. "But everything they’ve done in terms of progressing him, he’s handled very well. The pain he was experiencing that was causing the setback is eliminated in terms of what he’s doing now, but he hasn’t run."

Ball hasn't played an NBA game since Jan. 14, 2022. He was ravaged by knee injuries which ultimately required him to undergo three separate surgeries. The most recent procedure he took was back in March, in which he obtained a cartilage transplant.

Still in good spirits

Donovan further revealed that Ball made an appearance in Chicago last week, and both of them had some key discussions. The point guard has been in Los Angeles spending his rehabilitation in which he is just limited to some stationary shooting as well as mobility and weight training.

With Ball not expected to suit up this 2023-24 season, the Bulls mentor commended the 26-year-old's ongoing optimism in the wake of his continuous slow recovery.

"I give him a lot of credit," Donovan said. "His disposition has not changed at all. It's really remarkable. And not to say that he's carefree, because he's not. I know the guy wants to be out there playing. The game's been taken away from him for a couple years now.

"But his attitude and the optimism that he is going to get back on the floor, I appreciate. Because when you go through what he's gone through, it's very easy to sit there and start to doubt and question.”

According to HC Donovan, Zach LaVine is still recovering and is in good spirits