The 28-year-old NBA star Lonzo Ball was in the beginning phase of his Chicago Bulls stint when he suffered a major knee injury.
At 24, Ball appeared in 35 games during his first season with the Bulls, averaging 13.0 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds, while shooting 42.3% from three.
The Bulls were thriving, and Ball’s playmaking was a major reason why. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely. And Ball would go on to miss the next two seasons.
From that point on, his career took a sharp turn in an unexpected direction.
7-Year NBA Vet Reflects On Difficult Reality After Run With Chicago Bulls
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 17: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Charlotte Hornets at the United Center on January 17, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“I mean, it definitely takes some joy away from it, obviously, because you can’t do what you want to do. I think everybody just faces that at some point in their career eventually. You know, whether it’s age going to get you, I mean, unless you’re LeBron, other than him, something’s going to happen where you start declining. You know what I’m saying?” Ball said on Michael Porter Jr.’s show.
“And it’s always going to be like, damn, I wish I could do this. I wish I could do that. But I never really live life like, looking in the past or nothing like that.”
Ball’s career was in doubt from the public eye, but he stayed the course and returned to the Bulls. The veteran guard played in just 35 games during the 2024-2025 NBA season. He posted averages of 7.6 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
Although the Bulls gave Ball a new contract, they traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2025-2026 offseason. Despite the idea of a fresh start in Ohio, Ball struggled to find an identity.
Why Didn’t It Work Out?
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 30: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls brings the ball up court during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 30, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The veteran guard is convinced that a little more shooting from the offensive end would’ve kept him in place in Cleveland.
“Honestly, the [expletive] would have been fine in Cleveland if I would have just made an extra two shots a game,” Ball explained.
In Cleveland, Ball came off the bench for all but three of the 35 games he played. Seeing the court for 20.8 minutes per game, Ball attempted 5.0 shots per game. He struggled from the field, averaging 30.1%, and put up 4.6 points per game.
The Cavs traded Ball to the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline. The rebuilding Jazz didn’t see a need to keep Ball around, waiving him the same day.
At this stage, Ball is a free agent deep into the summer without rumors of a team giving him a legitimate look. That could change over time, but for now, the former Bull is staying patient and accepting the path that his career has taken.