Report implies Chicago Bulls are skeptical about Lonzo Ball's ability to play basketball again

The Bulls don’t seem to be optimistic about Lonzo Ball’s return to the floor.

© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

To say that Lonzo Ball has had a rough stretch over the last year and a half would be an understatement. After playing in just 35 games during his first season with the Chicago Bulls in the 2021-2022 season due to a meniscus tear, he then missed this season after undergoing additional knee surgeries.

Apparently, that didn't work either, and in March, the former UCLA star went under the knife again, going through an unorthodox knee cartilage transplant procedure. The procedure came with some optimism, but according to a report, it seems the Bulls are less than confident about Ball's future in the NBA.

Third surgery

Given how serious Ball's injury was and his troubles coming back from it, it's safe to say that the dynamic, two-way guard will miss a majority, if not all, of next season. Therefore, the Bulls are seemingly skeptical about Ball's ability to play NBA-level basketball ever again.

The Chicago Bulls privately don’t believe that Lonzo Ball will ever play again...

(per @dan_bernstein) pic.twitter.com/4Dd4O6CJrF

— BullsMuse (@BullsMuse_) May 28, 2023

Tough spot for the Bulls

The Bulls are in a pickle and may need to decide on Ball's and the team's fate as well. With Ball leading the charge on both ends, Chicago was one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. However, when he went out, the Bulls downright struggled and even missed the NBA Playoffs this season.