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FILE – Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at the United Center on January 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Michael Reaves/Getty Images/AFP
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is out for the rest of the season with pain and discomfort in his surgically repaired left knee.
“Despite making a significant increase in strength and function over the past few months, the Bulls maintain that Lonzo Ball continues to experience performance-limiting discomfort during participation in high-level basketball-related activities,” the Bulls said in a statement issued Tuesday.
“Given the time it will take to reach the level of fitness necessary to return to play and the current stage of the NBA season, Ball will not return this season. The focus for Ball will continue to be resolution of his discomfort and a full return for the 2023-24 season.
Ball underwent surgery on his left knee twice last year and last played on January 14, 2022, logging 24 minutes against the Golden State Warriors. There was a glimmer of optimism in January when Ball said he had started running on a treadmill and was able to swim again.
But that was immediately tempered by Bulls coach Billy Donovan, who said last month that Ball “is nowhere near” the potential to return to the court due to active knee problems.
Stadium reports Ball hasn’t been able to run fast or do basketball-specific drills in days.
“He just didn’t,” Donovan said. “Because he’s not running consistently. When he can get to a place where he can do it consistently and be able to come back the next day and do it again, do it again and do it again — I think you’re going to feel a little more optimistic.”
The 25-year-old Ball was the No. 2 overall pick in 2017 and has played in 252 career games, including 35 with the Bulls. Chicago acquired Ball from the New Orleans Pelicans in a sign-and-trade deal before the 2021-22 season.
Ball signed a four-year, $80 million deal that runs through the 2024-25 season.
Donovan warned in January that the Bulls weren’t expecting any players to jump back on the court after being out for more than a year without a significant adjustment period.
“It’s probably going to be a while before they let him play again so he feels comfortable that he can handle the NBA schedule,” Donovan said.
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