Editors note earlier Thursday; multiple reports stated that Bulls guard Lonzo Ball had suffered a small meniscus tear but that the Bulls believed Ball would play through the pain instead of opting for surgery. Hours later, the franchise announced that Ball elected to undergo surgery on his left knee and is expected to miss six-eight weeks while recovering.
ESPN reports that Ball is expected to travel California soon to have the arthroscopic procedure to repair the meniscus in his knee.
Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball has suffered a small meniscus tear in his left knee, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Lonzo Ball has been diagnosed with a small meniscus tear in his left knee and is evaluating treatment options, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/mfjRUZZGXy
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 20, 2022
The Bulls reportedly hope Ball can monitor his knee and play through the injury. The franchise hasn’t ruled out Ball going under the knife either; if the 24-year-old point guard elects to undergo surgery, the procedure will sideline him for a four-six-week period, according to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.
Ball has missed three straight games due to his knee injury. The former UCLA superstar received arthroscopic surgery on that same knee in 2018.
In August, Ball joined the Bulls (28-15) on a four-year, $85 million contract after a sign-and-trade that sent Tomáš Satoranský, Garrett Temple, and a second-round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans. He is averaging 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for the season.
