Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is expected to miss training camp. Months after undergoing meniscus surgery on his left knee, the fifth-year NBA player out of UCLA is still experiencing discomfort.
In an episode of the NBC Sports “Bulls Talk” podcast this week, Jason Goff and K.C. Johnson discussed Ball’s knee injury recovery.
During the segment, Johnson said, “It’s a fluid situation and the last two times I’ve checked on him, I’ve heard more positive than negative.”
“I’m not saying that means he’s out there opening night,” continued Johnson.
“I’m not saying he’s playing all 82 [games]… What I’m saying is the skepticism that was earlier in the offseason has moved a little bit towards the optimism side.”
Lonzo Ball’s progress hasn’t been linear, which an https://t.co/Ejv9dbQYOg report underscored in bold fashion. But the situation remains fluid and the Bulls believe in their backcourt
It obviously looks better with a healthy Ball
Column for @NBCSChicago: https://t.co/7zsNOqQ8qx
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) September 3, 2022
When Bulls vice president Arturas Karnisovas was asked about Ball’s status during a broadcast of one of the summer league games, he said, “He’s getting better, probably not at the speed that we would like, but he’s getting better.”
Of course, while with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2018, Ball had arthroscopic surgery on his same left knee to repair a meniscus tear. Although, the injury back then was not as severe. He was able to practice with the Lakers during training camp.
That’s not the case this time with the Bulls. For athletes, meniscus tears are one of the most common types of injuries. But injuring the same cartilage for a basketball star can never be a good thing.
Bulls guard Lonzo Ball expected to miss training camp
Now that he’s dealt with this injury for the second time in four years, Ball has to be careful on the court. Otherwise, multiple meniscus tears can cut a player’s career short. Needless to say, knee injuries are career killers for NBA stars.
Most Bulls fans think Derrick Rose’s ACL injury in 2012 derailed his career. Indeed, it’s true. The injury also impacted him psychologically. He was never again the same player.
Though, make no mistake, Rose and Ball are two different players. He’s capable of bouncing back from this injury.
In 35 appearances with the Bulls in the 2021-22 season, Ball averaged…