Adrian Wojnarowski reports Lonzo Ball might miss the entire season for Chicago Bulls

ESPN's NBA insider added that Ball's return hinges on his recovery and the Bulls' standing.

© Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Renowned NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that there are no guarantees the Chicago Bulls will see Lonzo Ball take the court this season. 

This news is a major blow to the Bulls and their legion of fans, who have eagerly awaited his return from injury since January. Could this development be the nudge that Bulls' brass needs to make some major changes if they want their team to stay competitive this season and in the years to come?

Extended absence

Ball has not played a basketball game since January 14—almost a year since he was diagnosed with a meniscus tear and underwent surgery to repair it. He went under the knife again in September after reporting that he still couldn't jump or run eight months after the initial surgery. 

Wojnarowski says the Bulls must ready themselves for the reality that Ball may not suit up at all this season.

"There are no guarantees that he is going to play at all this season," said Wojnarowski on the show NBA Countdown. "He is rehabbing the knee and feeling some pain in it, and the hope is that perhaps by the All-Star break in mid-February, they have a sense of whether, you know, Lonzo Ball is ready to come back to play for Chicago."

Return also hinges on the Bulls' standing

Wojnarowski added that the two-way guard's return hinges on his recovery and the Bulls' standing at that time. If they are out of contention for a playoff spot by then, there may be no need to rush him back onto the court. This could spell longer-term trouble for the team if their competitive window is as short as some analysts think it might be.

"A lot of it may depend upon where are the Bulls in the standings, and right now, 11th and out of the playoff picture," said Wojnarowski. "They are lingering around that area. There is a real decision to be made about whether he plays at all."