In order to save his left knee from further damage, Lonzo Ball had a third surgery in March that included a cartilage transplant. As a result, he would be out for the entire 2018–19 season.
On the “From the Point by Trae Young” podcast, Ball (with thanks to NBC Sports Chicago) said that he will be out for the full season.
Simply take each day as it comes, brother. I just had a major procedure, which hopefully will be my last. The procedure takes a while. I have already withdrawn from the next season. We had no idea exactly what it was when I was initially wounded. I visited several medical professionals. Just kind of moving up and down, that’s all. Because I had no idea how the next day would be, it was incredibly difficult for me. I had the operation, so at least that’s good. Moving ahead, there is a plan. We have followed our strategy. I’m moving forward. I really do hope that everything works out. I just do the best I can, rely on God, and accept the outcome.
Ball had routine surgery on his first knee in January 2022, and he was anticipated to recover before the season was out. Though he recovered pain-free, he continued to have agony, necessitating a second operation in September. He continued to have agony while he healed from that operation, and finally, the Bulls decided to suspend him for the rest of the year.
In the third operation, physicians grow cartilage outside the body and implant it in the knee. This is a more aggressive technique.
The whole scenario is a major NBA “what if”; in the 35 games he played for the Bulls, Ball proved to be the perfect defender, outside shooter, and pacesetter they needed. For the first half of the Bulls’ season with Ball on the floor, they were in first place in the Eastern Conference.
The what-if factor will be significant. In my opinion, they assembled the ideal team around me, so I feel horrible simply for the general manager. And I thought that level of involvement in an organization was the highest I had ever experienced. Finally, I found the squad that would play my style of play, suit my skills, and allow me to pursue my true goals. Because I thought we had a genuine shot and never got to see what it was, that injury, which I’m still dealing with, upset me early.
While the last year of Ball’s deal, which is a player option, is worth $41.9 million over the next two seasons, you can anticipate him exercising that option.
But after this operation, nothing can be taken for granted anymore. Hopefully, he will be back on the court next season to finish his deal.
