After a long recovery journey, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball finally made his return to NBA action during a Wednesday night preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. When Ball checked into the game, he received a warm welcome from fans inside the United Center.
To play a game in the NBA again is already a remarkable feat for the former UCLA Bruins star, who, prior to Wednesday, last played a game in the league in January of 2022.
After the game, Ball was given a special gift from his teammates in the locker room, with Bulls guard Coby White handing the game ball to the 26-year-old former second-pick overall.
The team gave Lonzo the game ball 🥹 pic.twitter.com/ejpyeXLiFR
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 17, 2024
Chicago Bulls’ Lonzo Ball gets heartfelt message from fellow UCLA Bruins product
Making the moment even more memorable – and emotional – was the message Ball got from Chicago star Zach LaVine.
“I respect you more than anything because of what you’ve been through.,” LaVine told Ball. “We love you. We care about you & I’m glad to see you back.”
Ball did not just run up and down the court against Minnesota. He contributed in the Bulls’ 125-123 victory, as he collected a total of 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting from the floor with a rebound, an assist, a steal, and a block in just 15 minutes of action. White led the Bulls with 23 points while Nikola Vucevic and Talen Horton-Tucker had 17 points apiece.
Ball is out to prove that he can still be a valuable weapon in the NBA, especially since he will be a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 NBA season.
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