The Bulls' Lonzo Ball returns to NBA action after a nearly three-year absence

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball played in an NBA preseason game for the first time in two and a half years on Wednesday night, receiving a standing ovation from the United Center crowd as he made his comeback from serious knee problems.

In the 2021/22 season, Ball had problems with chronic pain in his left knee. Three surgeries and countless hours of rehab later, he walked onto the field in the middle of the first quarter and shot his first shot – a three-pointer from the left corner.

In 15 minutes of play, Ball scored 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting in Chicago's 125-123 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ball later said he wasn't thinking about his knee as he returned to play for the first time in 1,006 days.

“This is a positive thing,” he said. “I didn’t feel it at all. I felt like I was moving great. So now it's just about building. Just keep going, night after night.”

Ball's return capped one of the most amazing comebacks in NBA history. He averaged 13 points and 5.1 assists in his first season with the Bulls when he was sidelined due to knee soreness, making his final appearance on January 14, 2022.

He underwent three different surgeries, most recently a cartilage transplant in March 2023, to save his career.

In recognition of everything he went through to get back, his Bulls teammates celebrated Ball's return by giving him a game ball.

“I had the goal of getting back on the court,” said Ball. “And I knew it was a long road, a long process. But it paid off because I was looking forward to it. I'm just happy.” Now it's here and I can finally go out and do what I love to do.”

The Bulls' Lonzo Ball returns to NBA action after a nearly three-year absence

ByVanessa

By Vanessa

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