After two challenging seasons on the sidelines, Lonzo Ball is ready to make his triumphant return to the NBA.
Lonzo Ball is gearing up for his return to the NBA after being sidelined for two seasons due to injuries. The former Lakers point guard has been cleared to practice and began participating in scrimmages this August.
Ball’s injury troubles date back to his time with the Lakers, where he had knee surgery for a torn meniscus in July 2018. While playing for the Chicago Bulls, he faced further complications, including a meniscus tear and bone bruise that required surgery in January 2022. Following that, he underwent a cartilage transplant, which kept him off the court for an extended period.
These recurring knee issues have hindered Ball’s promising career, which also saw him miss games due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Drafted by the Lakers as the second overall pick in 2017, Ball had a solid start, averaging 10.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in his rookie season.
After one season with the Lakers, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the deal for Anthony Davis in 2019. During his first season with the Pelicans, Ball felt he was playing at an elite level just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the season.
“Every time I catch my stride, something goes wrong,” Ball said on the What An Experience Show. “That month before COVID, if you ask me, I think I’m the best point guard in the league.”
In the six games leading up to the shutdown, he averaged 20.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He finished that season with an average of 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, and followed it up with a career-high average of 14.6 points the next season.
Ball was traded to the Bulls the following summer but struggled to stay healthy after his knee injury. As he prepares for his comeback, fans are hopeful to see him back on the court and performing at his best.
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Source: New York Post