From L.A. to NOLA, to Chicago, young point guard Lonzo Ball hasn’t always been the borderline All-Star he is today. It took years of growth and experience for Lonzo to truly find his niche in the league, and he really took off when he did.
But now, thanks to knee surgery that will keep him out for weeks, ‘Zo’s upcoming season has been compromised and nobody knows what it will mean for his on-court capabilities.
In A Chat With The Media This Week, Billy Donovan Got Real On Lonzo Ball’s Recovery
At the very least, we know that the Bulls haven’t ruled out the possibility of Lonzo missing the entire season. Bulls coach Billy Donovan even actively admitted to preparing for it.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan on if he’s preparing for a scenario that Lonzo Ball misses the full 2023 season:
“I think you have to.” (via @DarnellMayberry)
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 27, 2022
Last season, Lonzo was crucial to Chicago’s identity. As a two-way guard, he set the tone on both ends of the floor while setting up his teammates and co-stars for easy points on the perimeter.
Of course, if he can’t walk, none of that matters when it comes to producing on the court.
“Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball will undergo an arthroscopic debridement of his left knee on Wednesday, Sept. 28 in Los Angeles. He will be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks.”
“Lonzo Ball said he still can’t run or jump and even has pain in his knee climbing the stairs. ‘This is something I’ve never dealt with. Even the doctors are surprised a little bit.'”
Lonzo has worked hard to get where he is today. But if he wants to really make the most of this season, he’s going to have to take some extra precautions with that knee, even if it means dabbling in some load management.
As for the Bulls, they are hoping to build upon last year’s run and cement themselves as a superpower in the East. With Lonzo, DeRozan, LaVine, and Vucevic, they certainly have a decent chance to make some noise, but it remains to be seen if they have enough to go all the way.
Sadly, this Lonzo injury could make things even harder for the team, who will have to adjust on the fly to the absence of one of their top defenders. But if the Bulls can overcome that, and conquer all their other demons, it could be all they need to have a breakout season.
