Report: Lonzo Ball Will Undergo Third Knee Surgery, Likely to Miss Most of 2023-2024 Season

Sources say the forward is expected to be sidelined for most, if not all, of the 2023-24 season. However, the franchise is hopeful for a full recovery.

March 16, 2023

Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls watches action during NBA game. — CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 22: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls watches action during the second quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on April 22, 2022 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Fans may have to wait a little longer for Lonzo Ball’s big return.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Chicago Bulls forward will undergo a third surgery on his left knee. Sources say the procedure will likely sideline Ball for most, if not all, of the 2023-2024 season.

The 25-year-old was officially sidelined last month as he experienced discomfort from a baffling knee injury. He underwent two separate knee surgeries over the past 14 months and has not played in a game since Jan. 14, 2022.

Ball’s initial surgery took place early last year, after he reportedly suffered a torn left meniscus. The Bulls anticipated a six-to-eight week recovery period; however, he was forced to undergo a second surgery back in September, as the lingering pain and discomfort hindered his performance.

“Literally, I really can’t run. I can’t run or jump. There’s a range from, like, 30 to 60 degrees when my knee is bent that I have, like, no force and I can’t, like, catch myself,” he said ahead of his second surgery. “Until I can do those things I can’t play. I did rehab. It was getting better, but it was not to a point where I could get out there and run full speed or jump. So surgery is the next step.”

Insiders told Charania all parties are optimistic about the upcoming procedure, and are confident it’ll lead to his comeback.

Stay tuned as more information becomes available.