Lonzo Ball took the court for the first time in more than two years during a 125-123 preseason victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Ball has not played a game with the Bulls since January 14, 2022 due to a significant injury that forced him to receive a meniscus transplant.
The Bulls’ plan was to limit him to no more than 16 minutes of play and he finally untied his legs for 15:07. He contributed 10 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist in this test match. He made his first two shots from behind the arc to delight the fans who were impatiently awaiting his return.
The 26-year-old guard tore his meniscus while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and required several surgeries. Over the years and injuries, Ball eventually didn’t have enough cartilage remaining, causing his bones to rub against each other.
He then missed the entire 2023-2024 season in order to continue his rehabilitation and eliminate any pain.
Before his injury, Chicago had a 27-13 record, the best in the Eastern Conference at that time.
Ball averages 11.9 points, 6.2 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 252 games (239 starts) with the Lakers (2017-2019), Pelicans (2019-2021) and Bulls .
