Bulls Deliver Big Lonzo Ball Injury News at Media Day

With the start of the NBA regular season three weeks away, teams held their media days on Monday. The Chicago Bulls, following a busy offseason of roster changes, are entering the 2024-25 campaign with a younger core and a more developmental approach.

One of the biggest questions on Bulls fans' minds heading into the season is the status of Lonzo Ball. The talented point guard hasn't played in an NBA game since January 2022 and had multiple knee surgeries in the meantime. He was cleared to participate in full-contact scrimmages over the summer and we finally have another update about his availability to start the season.

Bulls GM Arturas Karnisovas revealed that Ball will be ready to play in the season opener against the Pelicans on October 23.

Bulls News: Lonzo Ball Ready to Play in Season Opener

According to Chicago Tribune reporter Julia Poe, the team didn't disclose what Ball's minutes and workload will look like.

However, it is safe to assume that it will be very low to start the season. It has been 2.5 years since Ball last suited up in an NBA game and it's hard to know how his knee is going to react to the increased workload. There will almost certainly be a minute restriction for him initially.

Fortunately for the Bulls, they can afford to not rush him. They traded for Josh Giddey, who is a very similar offensive player to Ball. The Bulls also have Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, and Zach LaVine in the backcourt rotation. Chicago wasn't counting on Ball to contribute much this season, so anything they get from him will be a bonus.

In the 35 games Ball played as a Chicago Bull, he averaged 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game on 42.3% shooting from downtown. The improvement on his jump shot was noteworthy and if he can continue that on his return, he should be able to contribute from the get-go.

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