Bulls rule guard Lonzo Ball (knee) out remainder of season

CHICAGO — Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 season, the team announced Tuesday morning, as Ball continues to experience discomfort during basketball activities despite arthroscopic knee surgery before the season.

Ball did not appear in a game this season and has not played since Jan. 14, 2022. He has undergone two knee surgeries since then — in late Jan. 2022 and again in Sept. at the start of training camp — but despite some small improvements in recent months, he has still not been able to run, cut or jump without pain.

«Despite making significant increases in strength and function over the past several months, Ball continues to experience performance limiting discomfort during participation in high level basketball-related activities,» Bulls VP Arturas Karnisovas said in a team statement. «Considering the required time period to achieve the necessary level of fitness to return-to-play and the current stage of the NBA season, Ball will not return this season. The focus for Ball will continue to be on the resolution of his discomfort and a full return for the 2023-24 season.»