Lonzo Ball is hopeful the team's core will still be around when he returns

Ball is looking to get another chance with the Bulls' current core.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball is hopeful that the team he helped elevate to new heights during the 2021-2022 season will still be around when he returns to the floor. Sidelined since January 2022 due to a knee injury, the former UCLA star is biding his time and staying positive despite the long road to recovery.

Keeping the same style of play

With Ball at the helm, the Bulls played exciting basketball on a nightly basis. Relentless on defense and unselfish on offense, Ball helped the Bulls put it all together and rise to the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference. However, the team’s momentum stalled when Ball went down with a torn meniscus that has sidelined since then.

Though Ball will miss the entire 2023-2024 season, he said he plans to pick up right where he left off — leading by example both on and off the court — once he returns.

“I actually think we're still trying to play the same way as if I was still here. It's not like we're getting away from the core values that I had on the court. We're trying to keep it fast pace, go, get out and play defense. Everything is kind of in tune for me to come back, whenever that is,” Ball said in an interview with ESPN.

#Bulls Lonzo Ball: "I definitely plan on playing again. I'm only 25.” pic.twitter.com/D5JF31PKIG

— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) October 2, 2023

Trying to stay positive

One cannot imagine what Ball is going through, with the game he’s loved all his life being taken away from him for almost two years and counting. Ball said he’s trying to remain upbeat despite all the surgeries and arduous rehab sessions.

“Honestly, being out for as long as I've been out and all the injuries I have to deal with I think you just have to be positive. First and foremost. If you lose your mind, you're going to lose the battle. So it always starts with being positive and hoping for the best,” Ball added.

Zach LaVine x Lonzo Ball. ✊

(via @chicagobulls) pic.twitter.com/eRSMiPB88I

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 2, 2023