After two-and-a-half years removed from basketball due to injury, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball made his highly-anticipated on-court return during the team’s season opener. Unfortunately, the UCLA alum appeared in just three games before suffering a wrist injury. Ball has missed Chicago’s last 14 games as he recovers. However, a return to action is on the horizon for Ball.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Ball is “targeting” Wednesday’s game against the Orlando Magic for his return.
Bulls guard Lonzo Ball, out since Oct. 28 with a wrist sprain, is targeting his return to action on Wednesday against the Magic in Orlando, sources tell me and @ramonashelburne. pic.twitter.com/z39ZHQYhgm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 26, 2024
In three games this season, all off the bench, Ball has averaged 4.7 points on 35,7% shooting, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Lonzo Ball’s Return From Injury Is Reportedly Imminent
How Lonzo Ball Will Elevate the Chicago Bulls
Once Ball makes his return, it is likely he will continue assuming a bench role in favor of Josh Giddey. Additionally, he is unlikely to play in back-to-backs. Regardless, assuming he stays healthy, Ball is a talented guard who makes his presence felt on both sides of the ball. Over the past few seasons of his career, Ball established himself as a great three-point shooter. As it stands, the Bulls are the fifth-best three-point shooting team in the league. It is unclear if Ball will ever get his starting job back in Chicago. However, there is no doubt he will help the team excel once healthy.
Lonzo Ball Is In the Midst of a Contract Year
After the Bulls acquired Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder, many wondered what that meant for Ball’s future with the team. According to The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry, a trade involving the Bulls trading Ball was seen as a real possibility.
It’s impossible to not view Giddey as insurance in case Ball doesn’t return. By bringing in Giddey, the Bulls also might have signaled they’re ready to move on from Ball. A trade or buyout could be likely. With Giddey, though, the Bulls have another young piece who gives Chicago a chance at rebuilding. The Bulls were stuck in neutral continuing with what was virtually the same roster for the past three seasons.
Ultimately, no trade came to fruition, and it is not known how serious the Bulls were in moving on from Ball. However, the 27-year-old picked up his $21.4 million player option in the offseason and is now in a contract year. In theory, trading Ball could benefit the Bulls as it would allow them to fully commit to Giddey as their starting point guard. However, the Bulls would have a hard time finding a trade partner for the guard. Still, this will be an interesting development to follow for the rest of the season.
The Last Word
A little over one month into the season, the Bulls are 7-11 and own the No. 10 seed in the East. Additionally, they are the seventh-highest-scoring team in the NBA. They also give up the most points per game to their opponents. After a busy offseason, many expected the Bulls to take a step back. However, while they still have a losing record, they remain in playoff contention.
