Lonzo Ball of the Chicago Bulls recently shared a video showcasing his dunking skills, marking a rare glimpse of his on-court activity since his absence from NBA games starting January 14, 2022. This hiatus is due to a cartilage transplant in his left knee, which he underwent last March. Despite not playing this season, Ball’s video demonstrates his ongoing dedication to recovery and maintaining his athleticism.
In the video posted by Ball, he is seen executing basic dunks, although it’s challenging to assess his full explosiveness and mobility from these brief clips. Nevertheless, the footage is encouraging as it shows Ball looking comfortable and capable of reaching the rim.
Ball, who signed a significant four-year, $80 million contract with the Bulls in August 2021 through a sign-and-trade deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, had a solid performance in the 2021-22 season, averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. Throughout his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Pelicans, and Bulls, Ball has maintained consistent statistics, showcasing his versatility as a guard with averages of 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks.
While Ball’s absence contributed to the Bulls missing the playoffs last season after making it in 2022, there are doubts among some NBA circles about his potential return to the court. However, Ball remains optimistic and motivated, expressing his desire to return to playing basketball despite the challenges he has faced with injuries.
The Bulls currently hold a record of 34-35, placing them in ninth position in the Eastern Conference standings. If the season concluded today, they would participate in the NBA play-in tournament for the second consecutive year.
