Lonzo Ball: “I Just Want To Play”

Lonzo Ball was touted to be a star in the NBA throughout his college career. Of course, there has been a spotlight on him for most of his playing time due to his family and their status. His father, LaVar, is an outspoken individual, while his brothers, LiAngelo and LaMelo, were also both tipped to go far. Only the former of the two didn’t make the NBA as he went undrafted in 2018.

LaMelo has been doing his thing on the court since he was selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft #3 overall by the Charlotte Hornets and has excelled. Lonzo went second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft and paved the way for his younger brother when he was taken by the Los Angeles Lakers before moving on to the New Orleans Pelicans and then finding his feet at the Chicago Bulls.

Lonzo Ball Plagued With Injuries During Bulls Career

However, the UCLA graduate has found his time in Chicago difficult. He’s had to deal with injuries throughout his playing career which has arguably stalled his progress, and has found that to be the problem in the Windy City. He has managed to play in just 49 games since arriving in 2021, and is currently in the final year of his four-year contract with the team.

He missed two full seasons due to a torn meniscus, while other smaller injuries have kept him sidelined for spells. However, he appears to have started to get over the problems that have plagued him for the majority of his professional career, and is starting to play ball for the Bulls.

The franchise is a popular betting option for those in the state who like to back their home teams and use promotions like the Bet365 Illinois Bonus code that has been made available. Lonzo Ball’s return to the side could see an influx in the number of bettors wagering on the team. Admittedly, many might not be betting on them to be the next NBA Champions after a 15-19 start to the 2024/25 NBA season, but Lonzo Ball’s return may help them to improve on that record.

Nonetheless, he will need to play more if he is to make a difference, something which he has admitted is a priority of his. Although he has returned, he is averaging just 18.2 minutes on the court in each game that has been played so far. Of course, the Bulls are wary of his past injury isssues, which is why they have looked to manage the minutes he has. They don’t want him to be a continual feature of their injury reports anymore, while they understand that opportunities for him are limited due to the caliber of players they have in his position on the roster.

Lonzo Ball Recognizes Smartness Of Bulls But Wants To Play

Lonzo Ball recognizes what the franchise is trying to do and has admitted that it’s wise of them to continue. However, he has admitted he wants to play more. “I can do a lot in 20 minutes. Obviously I want to play more, but we’ve got to be smart. It’s gonna be a slow process. I knew that. I just want to play,” he is reported as saying.

Indeed, it’s a crucial time in his NBA career and a season that could be defining for him on a personal level. As noted, he is in the final year of his contract with the Bulls. It remains unknown whether he will be given another deal by the franchise or if another will be interested in taking him despite the risks that are well-documented regarding his injuries.