Chicago Bull’s guard Lonzo Ball out for rest of season: What is his injury? Will he play next season?

Lonzo Ball’s fitness problems will continue in 2023. The Bulls’ guard injured himself on January 14th, 2022. Unfortunately, the road back from the meniscus tear on his left knee hasn’t been what the player and team had hoped it would be.

The bad news is no surprise to Bulls’ fans. On January 28th, the team’s coach said that Ball was not ready for play and had no return date. The teams signed PG Patrick Beverley this trade window to cover Ball’s hole on the roster.

What is Lonzo Ball’s injury?

The ex-Pelicans player first injured the meniscus on his left knee. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to fix the issue but has continued with pain.

“Despite making significant increases in strength and function over the past several months, Bulls guard Lonzo Ball continues to experience performance limiting discomfort during participation in high level basketball-related activities. Considering the required time period to achieve the necessary level of fitness 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 on the resolution of his discomfort and a full return for the 2023-24 season.” The team explained in a statement released today.

A big blow for the player as he expected to return soon after missing one year. Before his injury, Ball averaged 13 pts for the team, and the Bulls allowed 8.6 points fewer than when he was out.