Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball has begun participating in full-contact 5-on-5 scrimmages as he works toward a return for the 2024-25 season.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Ball has experienced no setbacks in these scrimmages, which he was scheduled to start in August.
Ball, who was traded to the Bulls in August 2021, signed a four-year, $85 million extension and had an impactful debut season before a meniscus tear sidelined him.
After undergoing surgery on his left knee in January 2022, Ball missed the remainder of the season and struggled with recurring issues in the following year.
In February 2023, Ball was ruled out for the entire 2022-23 season due to persistent knee discomfort and underwent a cartilage transplant in March. He went on to miss the entire 2023-24 season as well.
As of June 2024, Ball has not played in an NBA game since January 2022, but his participation in scrimmages marks a significant step in his recovery.
