Bulls’ Lonzo Ball ruled out for remainder of season

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is out for the remainder of the 2022-23 season as he continues to experience discomfort in his left knee, the team announced on Tuesday.

Injury Update: Lonzo Ball will not return this season.

“The focus for Ball will continue to be on the resolution of his discomfort and a full return for the 2023-24 season.”

Full Statement from Arturas Karnisovas:

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 21, 2023

Ball has undergone two surgeries on his knee since Jan. 14, 2022, which is the last time he played a game for Chicago. After the most recent surgery in September, Ball was scheduled to be reevaluated in 4-6 weeks. But he has been unable to participate in basketball-related activities without experiencing discomfort.

“Despite making significant increases in strength and function over the past several months, Ball continues to experience performance limiting discomfort during participation in high level basketball-related activities,” Bulls Exec. VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas said in a team statement. “Considering the required time period to achieve the necessary level of fitness to return-to-play and the current stage of the NBA season, Ball will not return this season. The focus for Ball will continue to be on the resolution of his discomfort and a full return for the 2023-24 season.”

Ball signed with Chicago prior to the 2021-22 season. He averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists over 35 games last season prior to suffering this knee injury.

The Bulls (26-33) are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference standings.