NEWSLETTER
For the first time in a long time, Lonzo Ball could be seen doing what he loves.
The Chicago Bulls point guard has been sidelined since January 2022. He’s undergone multiple surgeries, which most recently included a grueling cartilage transplant procedure on his left knee. Many have wondered if Ball will ever be able to fully return to the NBA court, but he’s made it his mission.
Earlier this offseason, Ball boldly declared the Bulls’ first game of the 2024-25 campaign as his return date. While this was met with plenty of skepticism, the updates on his rehab this summer have been playfully optimistic. Arturas Karnisovas even recently said during his post-draft press conference that Ball had been cleared to do “pretty much everything” on the court.
Fast forward to Tuesday afternoon, and basketball trainer Chris Johnson gave fans a surprising look at Ball running through some drills on Instagram. To be sure, it’s unclear exactly when the video was taken, but it still shows the 26-year-old moving in a way we haven’t seen since he was sidelined.
Look at Lonzo guys 🥲
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) July 2, 2024
(🎥 Chris Johnson Hoops | IG)
pic.twitter.com/j3CEWT9q0T
Lonzo Ball’s Encouraging Workout
Look at the smile on Lonzo Ball’s face! We all know how long and painful of a journey this has been for the former No. 2 overall pick, so it pulls at the heartstrings to see him having such a blast on the hardwood.
This is easily the quickest we’ve seen him move on the floor over the last couple of years. He’s coming around screens, rising for jumpers, and changing direction. Putting aside what this means for his potential Bulls return, it’s inspiring to know he is comfortable enough to push his body in this way.
If we factor in his NBA return timeline, however, it’s still impossible to know where Lonzo Ball will stand come training camp. The first real test will be taking contact and competing in 5-on-5 action (which he isn’t doing here). Then, managing true live-game action will be a completely different animal. So as encouraging as this latest footage is, let’s remember to temper our expectations as October inches closer.
Nevertheless, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for more of these videos over the next few months.
