Report: Bulls expected to shut down Lonzo Ball for season

The ChicagoBulls are expected to shut down guard Lonzo Ball for the remainderof the season, sources tell Shams Charania of TheAthletic.

The Chicago Bulls are expected to shut downguard Lonzo Ball for the remainder of the season, sources tell@[email protected] and discomfort have persisted in Ball’s left knee followingtwo surgeries at the beginning and end of 2022.

The 25-year-old Ball has missed all of the season due tocontinued discomfort in his surgically repaired knee while doingbasketball activites.

Ball appeared in 35 games last season with the Bulls beforehaving to undergo surgery on his knee. He has since not played in agame since Jan. 14, 2022 and the team has struggled to replicatehis production at the point guard position.

In a statement from the team, Chicago Bulls Executive VicePresident – Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas said: "Despitemaking significant increases in strength and function over the pastseveral months, Bulls guard Lonzo Ball continues to experienceperformance limiting discomfort during participation in high levelbasketball-related activities. Considering the required time periodto achieve the necessary level of fitness to return-to-play and thecurrent stage of the NBA season, Ball will not return this season.The focus for Ball will continue to be on the resolution of hisdiscomfort and a full return for the 2023-24 season.”