Lonzo Ball takes massive strides in return from knee injury
Mar 26, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball warms up before their game against the Denver Nuggets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is expected to take a massive step in his recovery from a knee injury that’s hampered him not just on the court, but in day-to-day life.
Ball, who hasn’t played in an NBA game since January 2022, is reportedly expected to “return to running” in the coming month.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan told the Chicago Tribune’s Julia Poe the news and added that Ball is finally pain-free since his third knee procedure over the last two years.
“The pain that he was experiencing that was causing the setback I think has been eliminated in terms of what he’s doing now — but he hasn’t run. The next progression for him will be to start running and that will be here in January,” said Donovan.
Lonzo Ball is expected to return to running in January.
Billy Donovan said Lonzo was back in town last week. Praised his positivity and voiced optimism that the most recent procedure has worked.
“The pain that he was experiencing has been eliminated.”
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) December 28, 2023
Ball has opened up in the past about his struggles with simple tasks such as walking up and down stairs during his recovery. Being able to take both figurative and literal strides in his recovery is a huge win for the UCLA alum and his fans.
The latest update is a huge development considering the reports earlier this year that Ball’s injury might threaten to prematurely end his playing career.
Ball is not expected to return for the Bulls this season, but the absence of pain is a huge marker for his recovery as an athlete and a person. He experienced chronic pain in everyday activities for at least a year before that cartilage procedure. Has to be a huge relief.
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) December 28, 2023
The Bulls reportedly don’t expect Ball to return just yet this season. But it appears as though a comeback may still be possible next season if all goes well for the former No. 2 overall pick.
H/T Bleacher Report