Chicago Bulls’ point guard Lonzo Ball is hopeful that he will leave the injuries behind and finally be ready to play when the 2024-25 NBA season tips off.
Ball has played his last NBA game in January 2022. Since then, he underwent multiple surgeries and went through several setbacks in his attempt to return to action. But after going through all the challenges, Ball says he is now “feeling good.”
“Happy to be here, blessed to be here, for sure, first and foremost. Happy to see you all again. I know it’s been a minute. But I’m looking forward to camp, ready to get the year started,” Ball told reporters on Wednesday.
According to Ball, he thinks he’ll be ready to get on the court when the Bulls face the New Orleans Pelicans in the season opener.
“Obviously, we can’t really tell the future, but that’s the plan I’m on. I think I’ll be ready for the first game, for sure,” he added.
Ball playing basketball again would be against all odds, considering that it was widely believed his career was over. He had a meniscus transplant and a double cartilage transplant in his left knee, which is something no other player returned from.
However, if Ball ends up gracing the NBA courts again, he would have plenty of time to make up for the missed time, considering he is only 26 years old. The former UCLA product averaged 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists since entering the league as the second overall pick in 2017.
