Bulls Coach Billy Donovan Questions If Lonzo Ball Is 'Stuck' After Admitting That He Still Can't Run

Lonzo Ball last played in an NBA game in January 2022 and the rare occasions his name has been mentioned over the last two years it hasn't been in a positive light. The latest update about the former UCLA star is no different, the nightmare for Ball is ongoing.

Ball has become a forgotten man in the NBA after a brutal stretch of injuries and unfortunate luck on the operating table and in the rehab facility. The 26-year-old has had three operations on his left knee since last suiting up for the Chicago Bulls 26 months ago. The franchise is running out of reasons to feel optimistic about his return, and given the fact that he still can't sprint, the situation appears to be getting worse.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls were hoping that Ball would begin sprinting in January, but as March is just days away, that's yet to happen. 

Seeing as how the ability to run is a key component to playing in the NBA, head coach Billy Donovan is understandably concerned and has reached a point now that he's openly questioning whether or not Ball is "stuck."

"I don’t know if he’s stuck," Donovan said. "He is doing some shooting, some running, some jumping. He hasn’t done any sprinting yet, that I know."

"I do think the one thing that has been a priority right now so he does not get set back is he needs to develop more strength in his leg. Because of him having that surgery and being off his leg so long, before he’s really able to ramp up I think they want him to get to a place physically that relates to his quad strength, hamstring strength, before he starts to really do that."

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Ball's most recent surgery, a cartilage transplant in his left knee, took place in March 2023. We're approaching a full year since he last went under the knife and he's yet to sprint. Athletes tear Achilles and ACL's and are back to sprinting in under a year, but it's clear that three surgeries on the same knee is a different type of hurdle to get over. 

Ball, who will enter the final year of his current contract next season, was averaging 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game before being forced to take this lengthy hiatus.