Rumor: Cavaliers May Not Play Lonzo Ball In Back-To-Back Games

The Cleveland Cavaliers may not play Lonzo Ball in back-to-back games next season, according to NBA reporter Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. 

The Cavaliers acquired Ball from the Chicago Bulls in the Isaac Okoro trade. Ball played in 35 games last season for the Bulls after missing two campaigns in a row due to a serious knee injury. 

“I know that the Cavs are having conversations as an organization about no back-to-backs for Lonzo Ball,” Fedor said. “If it’s three games in four nights, be cognizant of that when it comes to Lonzo. If it’s five in seven, be cognizant of that when it comes to Lonzo.”

Ball, who will make $10 million next season, averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Bulls in 2024-25 while shooting 36.6% from the field, 34.4% from beyond the arc and 81.5% from the foul line. 

A talented passer and defender, Ball turns 28 in October. He has career averages of 11.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists with the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans and Bulls. 

“We should all be focused on getting to a ring,” Ball said during his introductory press conference with the Cavaliers. “But we all know that June’s a long time when you start in September, October. So you can’t look too far ahead. [The Cavaliers] were [the No. 1 seed] in the East last year, so everybody knows that it’s pretty much ring or nothing.”

Ball has never played in a playoff game. He’s excited to change that with the Cavaliers. 

“Basketball is all about winning to me,” Ball said. “So you can’t win without getting to the playoffs. I’ve been on a couple teams that have been to the playoffs. You know, obviously, I couldn’t get out there and run with the guys, but hopefully [I will] this year. I have high hopes and the sky’s the limit.”

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