The former UCLA Bruin, Lonzo Ball has not played in an NBA game for the last 2.5 years due to his knee injury. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, the oldest Ball sibling was the second pick in the 2017 draft. However, Ball was traded during his second season with the Lakers to the Pelicans. Two years later, Ball was traded to the Bulls, where he signed a 4-year $80 million contract, with a player option for the 2024-25 season.
As per recent reports, Lonzo Ball has decided to exercise his player option for the following season. Ball was injured during the 2021-22 season, playing 35 games following which he was inactive. Since then, Ball has been making a steady recovery and is looking to make a comeback.
As expected, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has picked up the $21.4 million option on his contract for 2024-2025, sources tell ESPN. Ball has missed the last 2.5 seasons with a knee injury. He signed an original four-year, $80M free agent deal in 2021. pic.twitter.com/KJt3cx2DNs
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 4, 2024During his last season in action, Ball averaged 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 42% from the field. However, teams will have a tough time evaluating the 26-year-old who doesn’t give out much expectations post-injury.
Though as the news hit, fans weren’t a big fan of Ball. Lonzo Ball has made around $40 million without stepping on the floor. Throughout the 2024-25 season, Ball is set to earn $21.3 million, but it would be with a different team this time.
Fans took to Twitter after Lonzo Ball picked up his player option
NBA fans poured in all sorts of comments, calling Ball out for getting paid while sitting courtside. Zo is still in recovery and might make his return during the 2024-25 season.
However, the next step for Ball would be to get an offer from a franchise, if any are interested. Here are some of the fan reactions:
Easy money for a broken leg. He’s paying for surgery
— RJ Trader (@rj_trading1) May 4, 2024One of the worst contract in NBA history.
— We Mzee👴 (@_crispino1) May 4, 2024Bros been getting paid for watching games court side 😭
— 𝟚 (@PullUpShai) May 4, 2024I mean, that’s just stealing money from CHI at this point😂
— NKY Bracket Guy (@BracketNky) May 4, 2024nasty robbery 😭😭😭
— trace (@wakeuptrace) May 4, 2024still stealing paychecks
— desire (@dgsire) May 4, 2024Getting the bag
— Etan 👉 Sticker Doods (@EtanBoss) May 5, 2024Bros getting paid just to stay home
— Kyrie’s Hub (@kyrieshub) May 4, 2024According to head coach, Billy Donovan, Ball has been making a steady recovery and is working on his movements. Initially, Ball’s injury was said to be career-ending, though if he continues to make such progress, Zo might return in the upcoming season. The Bulls also missed Zach LaVine this year as they fell to the Miami Heat in the Play-In tournament.
It will be interesting to see teams who will be interested in signing Ball. However, as his contract expires, Zo might not see any 8-figure contracts moving forward. Making a comeback after three knee surgeries is a tough recovery to pull off. It all depends on how he manages to perform after almost three years of competitive basketball.
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