Confirmed: Lonzo Ball exercises his $21.4M option

Lonzo Ball, after a brutal stint on the sidelines that spanned more than two years, has taken a leap of faith by picking up his $21.4 million option with the Chicago Bulls for the 2024-25 season. According to ESPN, this decision comes despite the shadow of uncertainty cast by his troublesome left knee, which has seen three surgeries, the latest being a daunting cartilage transplant in 2023.

It's been a tough road for Ball, who initially signed a hefty four-year, $80 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade from New Orleans in 2021. He hit the ground running, dazzling Bulls fans with his dynamic play and helping the team claim the top spot in the Eastern Conference early in the 2021-22 season. But just as he was settling in, a knee injury cruelly cut his promising season short after just 35 games, leaving him with solid averages of 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals.

Since Ball's last game on January 14, 2022, the Bulls' fortunes have plummeted. The absence of his leadership on the court has been palpable, with the team struggling to maintain form, missing playoffs, and stumbling through seasons with losing records.


Yet, hope flickers anew as the 2024-25 season approaches. Bulls coach Billy Donovan recently hinted at a positive outlook, stirring a cautious optimism among fans and teammates alike. Will Lonzo Ball, the once second overall NBA draft pick who dazzled for a brief, shining moment before his injuries, make a triumphant return? The anticipation is palpable, and the hope is that this time around, Ball can stay healthy and deliver on the potential that had everyone buzzing during his explosive half-season stint.

There's a narrative of redemption brewing in Chicago, and Ball is at its heart. As the Bulls gear up for what could be a defining season, all eyes will be on Lonzo Ball, hopeful and rooting for his successful comeback.

Source ESPN: Sources: Bulls' Lonzo Ball picks up $21.4M option for 2024-25
Source Bleacher Report: NBA Rumors: Lonzo Ball Picks Up $21.4M Bulls Contract Option amid Knee Injury Rehab