Lonzo Ball has received clearance to resume running in his recovery from a persistent knee injury, marking a positive step toward his potential return to the court.
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is making positive strides toward a return to the court after being sidelined by a persistent knee injury during the 2021-22 season.
Ball, who hasn't played since January 14, 2022, has recently received clearance to resume running, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
According to the report, the 26-year-old has returned to Chicago to collaborate with Bulls staff to create a plan to facilitate his potential return to the court.
"Everything they've done in terms of progressing him, he's handled very well," Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said. "The pain that he was experiencing that was causing the setback, I think, has been eliminated in terms of what he's doing now -- but he hasn't run. The next progression for him will be to start running, and that will be here in January."
This development comes after Ball underwent a cartilage transplant in early 2023, leading to an indefinite absence from play.
In July, the NBA granted the Bulls a disabled player exception of $10.2 million, acknowledging Ball's projected absence for the entire 2023-24 season.
Ball, the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2017, signed with Chicago prior to the 2021-22 season. He averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists over 35 games during that season.
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