Bulls' Lonzo Ball to undergo third surgery on knee, could miss 2023-24 season

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is set to undergo yet another surgery on his left knee.

Ball could potentially miss some, if not all, of the NBA's 2023-24 season, according to reports from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletics' Shams Charania.

The surgical procedure would mark Ball's third in a span of 14 months. Ball, 25, had already been ruled out for the entire 2022-23 season after not having played since January 2022.

“My main focus has been on returning to the court and getting to a place where I can rejoin my teammates," Ball said in a statement released by the team Thursday. "This has been a frustrating process, but I’m confident these next steps are the best path forward.

"The support of my family, friends, fans and medical staff throughout my recovery is what keeps me moving forward. I can’t wait to get back to what I love doing most – playing basketball.”

The second overall pick in 2017, Ball spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers before spending another two with the New Orleans Pelicans. He was then traded by the Pelicans to the Chicago Bulls during the offseason in 2021.

Signed to a four-year, $85 million contract with Chicago, Ball averaged 13 points, 5.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 35 games during the 2021-22 season.

“I continue to admire Lonzo’s perseverance throughout this journey," said Artūras Karnišovas, Chicago Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations, in the statement. "This has been a long and challenging road for him, and this decision has been a difficult one to make.

"The organization is behind him, and he has our full support. Our training and medical staff continue their commitment to Lonzo’s rehabilitation and to working with him throughout this next phase to ensure his healthy return to basketball.”