Lonzo Ball expected to miss camp, start of regular season

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Bulls G Lonzo Ball expected to miss training camp, start of regular season

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/2/22

In May, a report said the Chicago Bulls were worried about the progress of point guard Lonzo Ball's surgically repaired left knee.

It seems the Bulls' concerns were justified.

According to ESPN's Jamal Collier and Ramona Shelburne, sources say Ball will miss training camp and that he's doubtful for the start of the regular season.

Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is not expected to participate in training camp and is doubtful for the start of the regular season with lingering pain and discomfort following knee surgery in January, sources tell me and @ramonashelburne

ESPN story: https://t.co/apmtZHrLjd
— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) September 2, 2022

Ball will reportedly have his left knee evaluated in Chicago next week. The source added that Ball's knee is "structurally sound," but he's experienced "lingering pain" following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in January.

Initially, the Bulls expected Ball to recover from surgery after six to eight weeks. However, Ball suffered multiple setbacks during his rehab, slowing his recovery. He previously had surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee in 2018, raising even more concerns over his status moving forward.

Acquired by the Bulls in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the 2021-22 season, Ball's first season in Chicago was limited to only 35 games.

He averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.8 steals, playing 32.5 minutes per game last year for the Bulls.

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