Lonzo Ball planning to return in preseason

KC Johnson: Billy Donovan on whether Lonzo Ball will play Saturday: “I don’t think so.” Ball practiced fully again today. -via Twitter @KCJHoop / October 10, 2024

While his knee remains a concern, his absence from the preseason opener was due to COVID-19. Ball was struck with the illness just before training camp, which cost him more than a week of workouts. According to Donovan, the virus took a toll on the guard, causing him to lose weight and strength. “I think in talking to medical and even my conversations with him, there’s still a period of him getting his strength back,” Donovan said. “Probably lost out on working out for more than a week (with COVID). Lost some weight, lost some strength. We’re going to be cautious with the buildup.” -via Clutch Points / October 9, 2024

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan revealed that Lonzo Ball’s absence from the team’s preseason opener was not solely due to his ongoing knee injury recovery. Instead, the 26-year-old guard, who has been recovering from multiple knee surgeries, was recently sidelined by a severe bout of COVID-19. The Bulls kicked off their preseason with a 116-112 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, but Ball, who last played an NBA game on January 14, 2022, was once again out of action. During his recovery period, Ball has undergone three surgeries on his left knee, including an experimental cartilage transplant, a procedure no professional athlete has successfully recovered from. -via Clutch Points / October 9, 2024