Lonzo Ball has been sidelined for 14 months with knee problems that were only meant to keep him out for a few weeks. During his absence, reports have emerged that even Lonzo’s doctors couldn’t work out why he was still experiencing pain.
Now, after more than a year of mystery, Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times has claimed the Bulls point guard likely has nerve damage in his knee.
Lonzo’s father, LaVar Ball, has also confirmed those fears. During an appearance on the Gimme That Hot Sauce podcast, LaVar said Lonzo had “debris in a nerve” but that he was “going to be fine”.
Lonzo’s return became far more arduous than anticipated after he underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in January 2022 and was ruled out for six to eight weeks. Despite hopes of returning in time for the 2022 playoffs, he then underwent an arthroscopic procedure in September.
In the same month, Ball informed reporters that he was still unable to run or jump and was experiencing pain while climbing stairs.
Then in January this year, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan disclosed that Ball was not even close to playing.
Late last month he was officially shut down for the rest of the season.