Bulls' Lonzo Ball Gives Injury Update Ahead of 2024-25 NBA Season: 'I Feel Good'
October 4, 2024
Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball is growing increasingly comfortable as he prepares to return to the court ahead of the 2024-25 season.
"I feel good," Ball told reporters on Friday.
"I've been able to do everything, pretty much," he added.
Ball hasn't appeared in a game since the 2021-22 season due to left knee issues that have required three separate surgeries, including a cartilage transplant procedure in March 2023.
The 26-year-old has been progressing through his rehab throughout the offseason, revealing that he started 5-on-5 activities in August.
Bulls president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas told the media on Monday that the "plan" is for Ball to be ready for the team's season-opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 23.
Chicago Bulls @chicagobullsAK on Lonzo Ball:<br><br>"Going into camp, we'll have to bring him up slowly. He's already played 5-on-5 but we haven't seen him go through camp so there will be lot of learning... it will take time."<br><br>On if Zo will be ready for Opening Night: "That's the plan." <a href="https://t.co/GgtfNbktwd">pic.twitter.com/GgtfNbktwd</a>
The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft acknowledged that managing his knee throughout the year will be crucial for his long-term availability.
"I pretty much have a brand new knee," Ball explained on Monday, per Field Level Media (h/t ESPN). "So it's always going to be a little bit different than what God gave me to start off with. But I'm feeling good, I'm feeling healthy enough to play. So that's all that really matters, just managing it throughout the year and being available."
When he returns to the lineup, he'll be joining a Bulls rotation that will look vastly different compared to his last time on the court. DeMar DeRozan joined the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade agreement, while Alex Caruso was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey.
Given Ball's defensive acumen, head coach Billy Donovan could choose to ease him back into action instead of handing him a starting job right away. While he's seemingly feeling better with each day of training camp, he's also careful not to rush his recovery.
