Lonzo Ball to undergo cartilage transplant, status for next season remains unclear

Can this be the breakthrough Lonzo Ball has been looking for?

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball and the team have finally decided on a course of action that they hope would put the once-dynamic two-way player back on an NBA court: a cartilage transplant in his left knee. The procedure would be Ball’s third with the Bulls ever since he injured his knee back on January 14, 2022. It also remains uncertain whether Lonzo will play at all next season.

Injury Update: Lonzo Ball will undergo a cartilage transplant in his left knee. He will remain out indefinitely.

Tap below for quotes from Lonzo & AK:

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 16, 2023

Frustrating process

The entire process has been both baffling and frustrating for the 25-year-old guard from UCLA, who, up to this day, remains unable to ramp up his rehabilitation process due to the discomfort he feels in his knee. Ball, though, is confident that this next step could be the breakthrough he’s been looking for.

“My main focus has been on returning to the court and getting to a place where I can rejoin my teammates. This has been a frustrating process, but I’m confident these next steps are the best path forward. The support of my family, friends, fans, and medical staff throughout my recovery is what keeps me moving forward. I can’t wait to get back to what I love doing most – playing basketball,” Lonzo said.

Bulls’ full support

Though the Bulls would be without Ball for an undetermined amount of time, the team’s Executive Vice President – Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas said Lonzo has their full support:

“I continue to admire Lonzo’s perseverance throughout this journey. This has been a long and challenging road for him, and this decision has been a difficult one to make. The organization is behind him, and he has our full support. Our training and medical staff continue their commitment to Lonzo’s rehabilitation and to working with him throughout this next phase to ensure his healthy return to basketball.”