Billy Donovan says Lonzo Ball is showing signs of progress: "Some of the workouts have been really, really positive"

Lonzo continues to make steps forward in his bid to return to NBA action.

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan shared some positive news regarding point guard Lonzo Ball, saying the latter has already begun doing more on-court drills that involve sprinting, cutting, and jumping. After tearing the meniscus in his knee, Ball has not played in a single NBA game since January 2022. Since then, he has undergone three knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant procedure in March 2023.

There has been some progression

In a chat with reporters before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Donovan noted Ball’s knee has responded well in controlled activities and non-contact drills.

"Some of the workouts have been really, really positive and he has progressed," Donovan said.

"He has responded well. Some of the things that medical guys have shown me is he looks good moving. I'm just really happy for him personally for his progress. He has worked hard to put himself in this position. And hopefully, he can continue to progress."

Lonzo Ball is running and cutting in the next phase of his recovery.

Billy Donovan said feedback from Bulls medical has been positive: “He looks good moving.”

Goal is for Lonzo to begin contact training including 5x5 scrimmages sometime this summer, but no set date. pic.twitter.com/zieZmbhKEG

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) March 9, 2024

The journey towards a comeback continues

If Lonzo is cleared to play at the start of next season, it would be nearly three years since his last game in a Bulls jersey. With that in mind, Donovan said what Lonzo is trying to accomplish is unique.

"This is something that is almost unprecedented," Donovan said.

The NBA game is physical, and so far, Ball’s rehab sessions haven’t involved any physical contact, but that’s about to change. The next step in his rehab process will be to get the former UCLA star accustomed to playing with contact.

"I'm speaking more from my perspective, not even medically that he's going to need for his own well-being getting accustomed to banging and hitting and defending and getting over screens and contact to the rim and getting off bodies," Donovan said.

"How can we help formulate a plan where he is at that place where he can play, whether it's here in LA? Just as long as he feels like he's getting the contact."

Lonzo Ball is on the bench for the Bulls’ matchup with the Clippers 🙌pic.twitter.com/6YQlr8vpPl

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 9, 2024

No fourth-quarter magic this time around as the Chicago Bulls lose to the Los Angeles Clippers