Finally, the wait is over. After two long years due to a serious injury that required surgery, Chicago Bulls star Lonzo Ball is set to return to the basketball court. While it’s just a NBA preseason game, the former Pelicans player will be back on the court after a long hiatus.
The news was reported by NBA insider Shams Charania, who shared the scoop on his X (formerly Twitter) account @ShamsCharania, announcing Ball’s presence this Wednesday in a preseason matchup against the Timberwolves.
“After missing two straight NBA seasons, Chicago’s Lonzo Ball is expected to make return to basketball on Wednesday vs. Minnesota, sources told ESPN. A major comeback from cartilage transplant surgery for Ball, who last played Jan. 14, 2022.” the journalist stated.
Before Ball’s return, the Bulls will play their third preseason game against Bucks ahead of the NBA season. In their first two games, they secured a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, followed by a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates his three point shot in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 02, 2021 in New York City. The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 199-115.
What happened to Lonzo Ball?
Two years have passed since Lonzo Ball last officially stepped onto a basketball court for a game. His knee troubled him for several months, indicating that something serious was going on.
As the player himself stated at the time, his knee had lost all cartilage, which required him to undergo surgery to implant donor cartilage in order to gradually regain its functionality.
“There was no meniscus left, and the bones were rubbing against each other,” Ball said. ‘The cartilage had disappeared, and the bone was damaged, so I had to get a new meniscus from a donor. I had to undergo a bone allograft, and they also had to put in some new cartilage.” Ball stated.
Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls participates in warmups prior to a game against the Brooklyn Nets at United Center on January 12, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago Bulls upcoming matches:
- vs Milwaukee Bucks, October 14th (Preseason)
- vs Minnesota Timberwolves, October 16th (Preseason)
- vs Cleveland Cavaliers, October 18th (Preseason)
- vs New Orleans Pelicans, October 23rd
- vs Milwaukee Bucks, October 25th
