Announcement: Lonzo Ball of the Bulls set to come back on Wednesday
After being absent for the previous two years due to a severe knee injury, Lonzo Ball, the guard for the Chicago Bulls, is anticipated to make his return on Wednesday, according to a report by ESPN on Monday.
The Bulls will be hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves in a preseason match on Wednesday evening. Their regular season will commence on October 23rd against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Ball, who is now 26 years old, last played for Chicago on January 14th, 2022. He has undergone multiple procedures on his left knee since then, including a rare double cartilage transplant.
A successful comeback would be considered a medical marvel for Ball, who was the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. His surgery last year involved a meniscus transplant and an osteochondral allograft to replace the damaged cartilage in his knee joint.
During Chicago's media day earlier this month, Ball stated, "This is something that no one has really come back from... I essentially have a completely new knee. So it will always feel a bit different from what I was originally given. But I feel good, I'm healthy enough to play. That's all that really matters - managing it throughout the year and being available."
Acquired in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans before the 2021-22 season, Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals in 35 games before being sidelined.
Throughout his career, he has maintained averages of 11.9 points, 6.2 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 252 games (239 starts) with the Los Angeles Lakers (2017-19), Pelicans (2019-21), and Bulls.
