Lonzo Ball ‘Nowhere Close’ To Returning

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is “nowhere close” to returning, per Bulls coach Billy Donovan. Ball still hasn’t progressed to consistent running a year after having meniscus surgery.

“He’s made some progress, but I’d be the first one to tell you he’s nowhere near playing,” Donovan said. “He’s just not. Because he’s not running on a consistent basis. When he can get to that place where he can do that consistently and be able to come back the next day and do it again, do it again and do it again – I think you’ll feel a little bit more optimistic.”

Ball last played in a game on January 14, 2022. Ball still can’t run at full speed and do more than light jumping to shoot or dunk. Donovan said Bulls leadership would need to see significant improvement before the All-Star Break, or it’s time for some difficult conversations.

“If you start to get to that point, I think there will probably end up being some conversations: ‘OK, what if he’s still not close to playing? What’s the plan going forward?'” Donovan said.