By Reporter Du Yijun / Comprehensive Report
Plagued by severe knee injuries in recent years, Lonzo Ball, known as "Ball Brother," hasn't been seen on the NBA court for quite a while. Lately, rumors have been swirling that his career might be forced to end. But Ball hit back today, posting on his personal social media with a firm tone, directly refuting the retirement talk. "I'm retiring? How come I didn't know that?" he said, making it clear he hasn't given up on returning to the game.
Drafted second overall in 2017, Ball once flashed elite all-around skills with the Bulls, but then fell into a nightmare of knee problems. He even underwent a rare meniscus transplant surgery, sidelining him from January 2022 until he finally returned to the NBA in the 2024-25 season. Even then, his play was sporadic.
Last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ball appeared in just 35 games, averaging 4.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. After being traded to the Utah Jazz in February, he was promptly waived and remains a free agent.
Facing doubts about whether his career is over, Ball made a point to clarify today, using that blunt line: "I'm retiring? How come I didn't know that?"
He also dropped a hint in his post: "The NBA season is long." That comment is being taken as a sign of confidence that he can still make it back. Even though no team has offered him a contract yet, Ball obviously believes that as the season goes on, rosters will shift due to injuries or roster needs – and that's when he'll get his shot to return to the big stage.
Right now, Ball is still a free agent, continuing his rehab and training on his own, waiting for an NBA team to call. The road back is full of challenges, but this former star point guard isn't ready to give in. He's pushing hard to suit up again in the NBA.
