According to reports, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball may miss training camp as he remains a doubt for the start of the regular season.

Ball is currently dealing with lingering pain after his left meniscus surgery, according to Ramon Shelburne and Jamal Collier of ESPN.

The surgery

Lonzo Ball’s surgery took place in January, repairing his injury.

Sources reported that Ball’s knee remains structurally intact, but he continued to experience lingering pain while he rehabbed on the West coast.

Initially, the Bulls guard had a six-to eight-week timeframe to recover, but Ball’s knee didn’t recover in time for him to return to the team for the home stretch of the season.

Earlier reports

In mid-July, NBC Sports Chicago made a similar report, saying Ball’s rehabilitation efforts involved starts and stops.

Ball reportedly experienced discomfort while trying to increase his workload.

The report coincided with the Bulls’ statement wherein vice president Artūras Karnišovas spoke on an NBA TV broadcast of a summer league game.

He said that Ball is “getting better — probably not at the speed that we would like. But he’s getting better.”

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Positive sentiments

NBC Sports Chicago shared two positive updates during the tapings of the Bulls Talk Podcast where they discussed Lonzo Ball.

The Bulls have faith in Ball, and it was apparent when Karnišovas aggressively pursued him in the 2021 offseason.

The team ended up forfeiting a second-round pick after the NBA ruled it held premature discussions with a representative ahead of the execution of his sign-and-trade agreement.

Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball’s recovery may be a major blow to the upcoming season as the management hopes for improved health and core continuity to revive the Eastern Conference-leading attack.

The Bulls have worked with Ball’s specialists this offseason and remain confident that Ball will continue to progress.

His knee also underwent a procedure in 2018 when the guard played for the Lakers, and it remains structurally sound.

Instead, it is the bone bruise that predates the January meniscus tear that has riddled Ball’s rehabilitation.

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Chicago Bulls

Lonzo Ball was signed to the Bulls for four seasons.

The Bulls added depth at the point guard position when they signed veteran Goran Dragić in free agency.

They also kept Coby White despite fielding trade offers that didn’t move the needle for management.

Meanwhile, Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu will play prominent roles in the backcourt rotation.

If Ball remains sidelined, rookie Dalen Terry could find his opening to start in his place.

Reference:

Bulls’ Lonzo Ball doubtful for start of NBA season, per report

Bulls taking long view regarding Lonzo Ball’s lingering knee issue