Over 1,000 Days Later: 26-Year-Old Lonzo Ball, with Knees of a 62-Year-Old

Lonzo Ball, known affectionately as “Zo,” is finally on the verge of making his long-awaited return to the NBA after a staggering 1,000+ days away from the court. Recently, Ball appeared on a podcast where he provided an optimistic update about his recovery and a tentative return date. "I’m planning to sit out the first two preseason games," Ball revealed. "I expect to play in the last two, or at least one of the last three." According to Ball, his knee has been feeling better recently, sparking hope that he may finally be close to stepping back on the hardwood.

For those keeping track, the Chicago Bulls have already played two preseason games, with three more lined up: October 15 against the Milwaukee Bucks, October 17 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and October 19 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This means that Lonzo could make his return as early as October 15. If he indeed plays in that game, it will mark 1,003 days since his last NBA appearance, which came on January 15, 2022, against the Golden State Warriors.

To put this in perspective: Ball was just 24 years old the last time he played in an NBA game. Now, at 26 (turning 27 in a couple of weeks), he's endured a grueling stretch where his knees have aged far beyond his years. Lonzo’s knee problems have become notorious, leading many to believe that despite his age, his knees may as well belong to a man in his 60s.

The saga of Lonzo’s knee troubles began on that fateful day in 2022, when a post-game evaluation revealed a small tear in his meniscus. Ball underwent surgery shortly thereafter, with an initial recovery timeline of about eight weeks, which is typical for such a procedure. However, when the expected return date arrived, Ball’s knee showed no improvement. His recovery timeline was pushed back repeatedly, until the Bulls eventually ruled him out for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, this was just the beginning of a prolonged nightmare.

During the 2022 offseason, Lonzo rested throughout the summer, but his knee remained uncooperative. This led to a second surgery in September 2022, causing him to miss training camp and the preseason. This second procedure was another minor repair, with an estimated recovery time of two months. Optimistic projections had Ball returning in time for the 2022-2023 season, but once again, his knee failed to heal as expected.

By this point, the situation had taken on a mystifying quality. Despite undergoing two surgeries, Ball’s knee pain persisted, leaving both the Bulls’ medical staff and Lonzo’s own team of doctors baffled. They couldn’t pinpoint why his knee continued to give him problems. The entire 2022-2023 season passed with Lonzo sidelined, and in March 2023, he underwent a third surgery—this time, a more drastic cartilage transplant procedure. This surgery was not only season-ending but also put his 2023-2024 campaign in jeopardy.

It’s important to note that no NBA player has ever returned to their previous form following a cartilage transplant, leading many to doubt whether Ball would ever be able to play at a high level again. In fact, some speculated that his career might be over. Former NBA player Chandler Parsons, who also underwent a knee cartilage procedure, weighed in on the situation, saying, "I feel bad for Lonzo. I went through something similar. He was just 25, about to become a star, and worked so hard. It’s just bad luck. I’ve never seen anyone come back from this surgery the same. It’s a long, difficult recovery—you have to relearn how to walk, do water therapy, you can’t put on weight. You’re basically like a child."

As Parsons mentioned, Lonzo’s career trajectory before the injury was trending upward. In his first season with the Bulls, Ball was averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, with shooting splits of 42.3% from the field, 42.3% from beyond the arc, and 75.0% from the free-throw line, resulting in a solid 57.5% true shooting percentage.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Ball’s first two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers were underwhelming. While he was touted as a generational playmaker and defensive savant out of UCLA, his time with the Lakers was marked by poor shooting and inconsistency. He never quite lived up to the lofty expectations that come with being a high draft pick, particularly in a spotlight like Los Angeles, and at one point, it seemed as though he might become a “bust.”

But after being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, Lonzo began to transform his game. His three-point shooting, long seen as a weakness, improved dramatically as he worked tirelessly to develop his jumper. Over time, Ball carved out a niche for himself as a 3-and-D point guard—an elite defender and passer who could also hit threes at a high clip. This shift in his game took several years to achieve, but by the time he arrived in Chicago, Ball had found his ideal role.

Unfortunately, just as Lonzo was reaching his peak, the injuries hit. Knee issues are always concerning for basketball players, especially for someone like Ball, whose game relies on lateral quickness and defensive acumen. His defensive prowess and court vision set him apart, but without healthy knees, it’s unclear whether he will be able to recapture his former level of play.

Lonzo’s father, LaVar Ball, once a constant presence in the media, has gone relatively quiet over the past couple of years, as his son’s health struggles have taken center stage. LaVar’s boisterous proclamations of his sons’ impending NBA dominance once made him a polarizing figure, but now, the focus has shifted to whether Lonzo can simply return to the court, let alone become the star he once seemed destined to be.

Heading into the 2023-2024 season, there are few expectations for Ball’s return. Fans and analysts alike recognize the magnitude of his injuries and the rarity of successful recoveries from cartilage transplants. However, Lonzo remains determined to get back to playing basketball, and his recent podcast appearance suggests that he’s feeling optimistic about his progress. While no one expects him to immediately return to All-Star form, the fact that he’s even talking about playing again is a positive step forward.

Looking back at Ball’s career before the injuries, his versatility and high basketball IQ were always evident. He’s one of those rare players who can impact the game in multiple ways without needing to score in bunches. His defense, passing, and improved shooting made him a key piece for any team he played on. That was particularly true for the Bulls, who looked like one of the Eastern Conference’s most promising teams before his knee injuries derailed both his and the team’s fortunes.

The Bulls still have three preseason games left: against the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Cleveland Cavaliers. While Ball is expected to sit out the first two, he’s targeting a return in one of the final games. For fans of Lonzo, the Chicago Bulls, or just basketball in general, this moment has been a long time coming. His first game back, regardless of how he performs, will be an emotional one.

While Ball’s future in the NBA remains uncertain, one thing is clear: his passion for the game hasn’t waned. Lonzo has spent nearly three years rehabbing and fighting to return, and while the odds are against him, his perseverance speaks volumes about his love for basketball.

What remains to be seen is whether his knees will cooperate with his heart and mind. Whether Lonzo Ball ever becomes the player he once was, or if he’s forced to reinvent himself yet again, one thing is certain—his return will be a moment to savor for everyone who’s followed his journey.