Lonzo Ball’s recovery makes Chicago Bulls much hopeful for now as the 2022-2023 season continues to loom.

As told by NBC Sports’ K.C. Johnson on the Bulls Talk podcast, the Bulls are now more optimistic with regards to Ball’s status, but warned that the said condition remains a “fluid situation.”

“I’m not saying that means he’s out there opening night. I’m not saying he’s playing all 82,” Johnson said, via Hoops Rumors’ Arthur Hill. “What I’m saying is the skepticism that was earlier in the offseason has moved a little bit toward the optimism side.”

It was reported earlier this month that there’s uncertainty about Ball’s availability in Chicago’s late September training camp, as the former No. 2 overall pick is still on track of rehabbing his knee injury.

Ball savored a solid first season last 2021-2022 campaign with the Bulls by averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 boards, and 5.1 dimes in 35 games while draining 42.3 percent of his shots from the field.

Unfortunately,  he was shelved in mid-January upon taking a surgery to address his meniscus tear in left knee. He was expected to return at the end of the season, but was then announced out indefinitely following pain and discomfort in his enhanced physical activities.