Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball will not be available over the next couple of weeks. The 24-year old point guard was diagnosed with a small meniscus tear and is considering a variety of treatment options.
The Chicago Bulls and guard Lonzo Ball are expected to make a decision on undergoing arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus injury in his left knee in the next 24-to-48 hours, a procedure that would sideline him for 4-to-6 weeks, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 20, 2022
Ball had a similar procedure done to his meniscus prior to the Lakers training camp back in July 2018.
Ball returned in time for Lakers training camp that season. If he has another procedure, he'd likely be sidelined 4-6 weeks.
According to @wojespn, the Bulls and Ball will decide on scope option in next 24-48 hours.
Donovan last night got asked directly about surgery. https://t.co/nVwhVOhrcw
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 20, 2022
The Bulls are also expected to miss guard Zach LaVine over the upcoming road trip as well after he suffered a knee injury.
Possible Timeline
The turnaround for this is going to be quick for the Bulls and it will hurt not to have the veteran point guard available. The Bulls faced a similar situation with Derrick Rose in the 2014-15 season. Rose tore his meniscus as the Bulls were making a charge to the playoffs.
The decision had to be made whether to get the procedure done or to have it simply removed.
Having the procedure all but likely would have ended Rose’s season but instead he chose to have it removed completely. This came at the risk of significantly shortening his career. In Ball’s situation, that’s not the case however the Bulls rely heavily on his perimeter defense.
If Ball elects to have the procedure done he the latest he’d be back as K.C. Johnson reported would be in six weeks. That comes out to roughly a couple of weeks after the All-Star break. This seems like no harm, no foul barring no setbacks in the rehab process for Ball.
The other component to this equation for the Bulls is where Lonzo injured his meniscus. So long as repair is not functionally limiting for the point guard, the meniscus can be repaired.
Below is a great job of illustrating the situation:
Re: Lonzo Ball: Meniscus injuries are like real estate, it’s all about location. If the tear occurs in a specific spot then it can be repaired. If not, a meniscectomy (removal) is the best course of action if the issue is functionally limiting. (1/4)
— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) January 20, 2022
Coach Billy Donovan says that Ball is receiving therapeutic treatment for the knee and to try and alleviate some of the pain.
Stepping In For Lonzo
As Lonzo makes his decision on his meniscus, the Bulls are not in any risk in the backcourt. The Bulls would prefer that their starting point guard be available however the play of players like Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and getting Alex Caruso back is huge.
White is averaging nearly 14 points per game this season while Dosunmu is providing a little bit of everything off the bench. The rookie posted 18 points, eight assists on 7-of-8 shooting against the Cavaliers Wednesday night.
One bright side to Lonzo injury is how well Coby and Ayo have played. But Bulls obviously much better team with Ball healthy and they'll need him right for any playoff run.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 20, 2022
If Ball does miss time, the Bulls are in good hands.
