Ex-UCLA Guard Lonzo Ball Opens Up On Lingering Knee Injury

Oh what could have been...

College basketball fans everywhere remember the meteoric rise of Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball's stardom at UCLA back in 2017, but it's been a rocky road for the Chino Hills native as of late. 

After redefining his own career and breaking away from the pressure that his own father Lavar put on him, Lonzo's career has recently been defined by an injury with no end in sight. 

Zo says he feels bad for the Bulls organization because he felt like he finally got a chance to play on the ‘perfect team for his skills

“I feel like we really had a chance and never got to see what it was.”😞

(@TheTraeYoung / h/t @ChiSportUpdates)https://t.co/83l9i0UuWV

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 21, 2023

It wasn't that long ago that former Bruin Lonzo Ball was exceeding expectations as the first seed in the Eastern Conference with his new team midway through the Bulls' 2021-22 season.

Always a gifted passer, Ball added both a great three point shot and stingy off ball defense to lead one of the most talented cores in the league to an impressive record. 

Pairing with Alex Caruso in the backcourt, Ball spearheaded one of the best defenses in the league without the burden of being a number 1 option that he was picked to be while with the Lakers. 

The Lakers took Ball 2nd overall from UCLA to possibly be the successor to Kobe Bryant's legacy after the D'Angelo Russell experiment didn't pan out. 

Trading Ball to the Pelicans in the Anthony Davis trade, Ball rebuilt his infamous shooting form to become a near 40% downtown shooter to pair with his elite vision. 

Held back by a knee issue that's needed three procedures in the last two seasons alone, the Bulls have already confirmed Ball would be out for the 2023-24 season. 

It's a very disappointing result for one of the game's youngest and brightest stars, who according to some doctors may not ever play in the NBA again. 

Should this be the end of the road for Ball, an outcome we surely hope isn't the case, Bruins fans will definitely remember his contributions to the UCLA family with his dazzling passes, impressive athleticism and knock down shooting for his one and done season with the team.