Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine expressed his excitement and emotions surrounding Lonzo Ball’s long-awaited return to the court. Ball played his first game in nearly two years during a preseason matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he scored 10 points in 15 minutes.
Speaking to reporters after the game, LaVine highlighted the significance of Ball’s return, saying, via K.C. Johnson “It was emotional in a happy way. We made sure we got him the game ball because that’s a big moment. Nobody has come back from what he’s coming back from.”
Ball’s return marks a crucial milestone in his recovery journey after a series of injuries kept him sidelined since January 2022. A meniscus tear, followed by multiple surgeries, including a cartilage transplant, prevented the point guard from participating in the last two NBA seasons. Despite these setbacks, Ball’s performance in the preseason game was a promising sign for the Bulls.
LaVine was impressed by Ball’s play, stating, “He was really, really good.” For Ball, this game represents a turning point after years of rehabilitation and uncertainty about his future in the league.
Ball’s injury woes began in January 2022 when he underwent surgery on his left knee. At the time of his injury, Chicago had the best record in the Eastern Conference, and Ball was having a career-best shooting season. His absence affected the team’s momentum, and the Bulls struggled to replicate their early-season success without him.
Since then, Ball has undergone multiple procedures, including arthroscopic debridement in 2022 and a cartilage transplant in 2023. However, Ball’s perseverance has paid off. In July 2024, he was cleared for full-contact scrimmages, and by August, he was participating in five-on-five play without setbacks.
