Lonzo Ball Apr 10, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports

When the Chicago Bulls open their regular season on October 19 against the Miami Heat, it’s unlikely that Lonzo Ball will be with them. Ball, who’s been out of action since January, will likely miss both training camp and the beginning of the regular season as he continues to heal.

The news was reported by Jamal Collier and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN on Friday.

“Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is expected to miss training camp and is doubtful for the start of the regular season because of lingering pain and discomfort following meniscus surgery on his left knee in January, sources told ESPN on Friday,” the report said. “While a source reiterated that Ball’s knee is structurally sound after he underwent arthroscopic surgery on Jan. 28, he continued to experience pain while attempting basketball activities as he spent the summer rehabbing in Los Angeles.”

The NBA world was understandably disappointed to hear the latest news about Ball.

Ball played in only 35 games during the 2021-22 regular season, which was his first with the Bulls. He missed the second part of the year with a meniscus tear in his left knee, last playing on January 14. Chicago was 22-13 in games he played and 27-13 overall at the time of his injury.

Before his injury, Ball was having a nice year. He averaged a career-high 34.6 minutes per game during the season. In that time, Ball averaged 13 points, 5.1 assists 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals a night.

[ESPN.com]

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