Lonzo’s Back, Baby!
After a whopping 1,006 days off the court, Lonzo Ball made his triumphant return to the NBA this past Wednesday, and let me tell you, the United Center was electric! Fans were on their feet, chanting his name as he stepped onto the hardwood, and Lonzo? He was all heart, literally, with a hand over his chest to thank the Chicago faithful for sticking by him through thick and thin.
From Surgery to Swishes
Lonzo’s journey back wasn’t just a walk in the park. We’re talking three surgeries on that left knee, plus a double cartilage transplantโouch! But there he was, playing 15 minutes and scoring 10 points on a solid 4-of-6 shooting. It might’ve been a preseason game, but the Bulls snagged a 125-123 win over the Timberwolves, and Lonzo was all smiles. “Felt a lot better playing than watching,” he said. And honestly, who wouldn’t feel that way after such a long layoff?
Lonzo Ball is officially back.
10 points | 4-6 FG | 2 threes | 15 minutes
โ Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls)
Laughing Through the Pain
When asked about his grueling recovery, Lonzo chuckled, “Long. Really long,” but he added that it flew by quicker than he thought. I think that’s the kind of optimism we could all use a bit more of, don’t you? After being told he’d need another 18 months post-surgery, heโs finally back and ready to ball. And speaking of balls, did you see that Curry rumor floating around? Wild stuff!
Earlier that day, Lonzo was jumping for joy when he got the green light to play. “Itโs not the same body I started off with,” he admitted, but heโs still determined to make an impact. And he did just that, contributing all over the court with a block, a steal, an assist, and a rebound. Coach Donovan was impressed, saying Lonzo uses his brain as much as his body, which is a baller move if you ask me.
Knee? What Knee?
The best part? Lonzo didnโt even think about his knee during those 15 minutes on the court. “Thatโs a positive thing,” he said. “I didnโt feel it at all.” Now it’s all about building up that consistency. Coach Donovan plans to keep a close eye on him, but heโs eager to get Lonzo back in action for Fridayโs preseason finale against the Cavs.
Lonzo, soon to be 27, always believed he’d make it back. His confidence and trust in his medical team kept him going. “I think itโs the belief in myself,” he said, and honestly, that’s what makes a true comeback story. So, what do you think? Is Lonzo set to become a key player for the Bulls again, or will his knees hold him back?
