Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Lonzo Ball to undergo surgery on knee, miss six to eight weeks

If the Chicago Bulls are to maintain their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings, they'll have to do it without starting point guard Lonzo Ball.

The former No. 2 overall pick of the Los Angeles Lakers has missed Chicago's last three games -- two of which have been losses -- as has fellow guard Zach LaVine, who is dealing with a knee injury as well. Third-year pro Javonte Green has been out most of the month due to a groin ailment, starting power forward Patrick Williams is done for the season with a dislocated wrist and forward Derrick Jones Jr. is also on the shelf with a knee injury.

Ball is currently posting career-highs in steals per game (1.8), minutes per game (34.6), shooting percentage (42.3%) and three-point percentage (42.3%). He's first on the team in assists (5.1) and second in rebounds (5.4).

The 24-year-old UCLA product is in his fifth NBA season and first with the Bulls. Ball was acquired by Chicago in August 2021 in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.

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