Lonzo Ball expected to miss 2023-24 season with injury

Bulls fans, avert your eyes. Chicago Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas announced on Thursday he does not expect Lonzo Ball to participate in the 2023-2024 NBA season.

“Going into the offseason, our expectation is that he’s not coming back next season,” Karnišovas said. “He’s going to continue on his recovery. If he comes back, it would be great. But we’re just going to treat this offseason and get ready for the season that he’s not going to be back.”

Ball’s career has been riddled with injuries. The former UCLA star has only played in more than 60 games in one season (2019-2020). Ball missed all of the past season, last taking the court on Jan. 14, 2022, after suffering a meniscus tear in his left knee during a 42-point loss to the Golden State Warriors.

The 6-foot-6 guard received his third surgery for the injury in March, undergoing a cartilage transplant. Ball first underwent surgery for the injury in February 2022, initially repairing a torn meniscus. Nonetheless, Ball continued to battle discomfort and received additional surgeries to ease the pain.

Ball signed a four-year, $80 million extension with Chicago in the summer of 2021. Yet, Bulls faithfuls have not reaped the rewards of the pricy deal. While with Chicago, Ball has averaged 13 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.

Ball began his career in Los Angeles after the Lakers drafted him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. The crafty guard played for two years with the franchise before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans along with Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round picks, for Anthony Davis in return.

Ball played with the Pelicans for two years before landing in the Windy City. The California native has constantly dealt with the frustration of the endless injuries.

“My main focus has been on returning to the court and getting to a place where I can rejoin my teammates,” Ball said, per USA Today. “I’m confident these next steps are the best path forward. The support of my family, friends, fans and medical staff throughout my recovery is what keeps me moving forward. I can’t wait to get back to what I love doing most – playing basketball.”

Ball isn’t the only who is confident in his eventual return.

“Eventually you are going to see him on the basketball court,” Karnišovas said Thursday.