Bulls’ Lonzo Ball may need a third knee surgery

Chicago Bulls player Lonzo Ball may require a third surgery on his right knee, which would necessitate six more months of recovery and rehabilitation, according to sources who spoke to ESPN on Thursday. Ball has not played in an NBA game since January 14, 2022, and has already undergone two surgeries on the same knee in the past 14 months. The Bulls and Ball’s representatives are consulting with specialists before making a final decision on surgery, but a procedure this month would further delay his potential return next season. Ball has yet to run, cut, or jump without pain, despite making incremental progress in recent months. The Bulls signed Ball to a four-year, $80 million contract as a free agent, which began with a promising start in the 2021-22 season, during which he played a significant role on offense and defense, averaging 13.0 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 42% on 3-pointers. Since his injury, the Bulls have struggled and currently have a record of 30-36, ranking 11th in the Eastern Conference.