A good number of Chicago Bulls fans would agree with you if you say Lonzo Ball is one of the unluckiest players in the NBA. While everyone knows how great of a point guard he is, his fragile health has always prevented him from becoming the best version of himself.
This dilemma becomes more obvious this season as he had to sit out the entirety of the Bulls’ 2023-24 season. His knee injury puts a lot of doubts on his future as a basketball player and whether the 26-year-old point guard would end up as one of the league’s biggest what-ifs.
With such a reputation looming over his head, it’s understandable why Ball decided to do what he did when it comes to his Chicago contract.
Lonzo Ball opts for his player option with the Chicago Bulls in 2024-25
The Spun’s Chris Rosvoglou reported that the Bulls were informed of the elder Ball’s decision to see out the rest of his contract with the team.
It was the most sensible move for him to get as much money as he could in his next contract. Due to his absence, players like Alex Caruso and Coby White were able to showcase their stuff and possible push him out of the Bulls’ rotation for next season.
Lonzo Ball’s career is quickly reaching an impasse: if he doesn’t play significant minutes next season, he’l quickly become the latest entry in the NBA’s long list of players that could have thrived if healthy.
Can Ball still show out for the Chicago Bulls next season?
Given Ball’s complicated injury history, it’s understandable why the career outlook for LaVar Ball’s eldest son isn’t that bright. It also doesn’t help that he didn’t pan out to be as great as fans hoped when he was drafted second in the 2017 Draft.
However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Lonzo is a serviceable NBA player if he manages to keep himself healthy. He was solid in his first season in Chicago, Averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals on 42.3/42.3/75.0% shooting splits.
All Ball needs to get a fantastic contract with the Bulls or any other NBA team in need of a solid point guard is show he can play a full season of basketball. However, that seems to be easier said than done for a player like Zo.
More must-reads: