Lonzo Ball Opens Up About NBA Setbacks and Knee Recovery Struggles
Former UCLA Star Faces Health Challenges and Knee Recovery Woes
Not too long ago, Lonzo Ball was making waves as the point guard for the University of California, Los Angeles. Across 36 games, he showcased his skills, averaging 14 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Although UCLA fell short against Kentucky University in the NCAA March Madness tournament, Ball’s time as a Bruin remains cherished by the community.
Transitioning to the NBA, Ball faced a slew of hurdles, most revolving around his health. The former second overall pick’s potential as a natural point guard was undeniable, yet his career has been marred by multiple lower body injuries and surgeries, sidelining him for over 200 games.
Recently, Ball featured on Trae Young’s ‘From The Point’ podcast, revealing the challenges of being sidelined for his current team and the wider impact on the organization. He candidly confirmed his absence for the entire 2023-2024 season due to ongoing knee rehabilitation. Following the podcast’s release, renowned ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith reported on Ball’s knee recovery struggles, even mentioning difficulty in getting up from a chair. Ball, responding in a now-viral video, expressed appreciation for Smith while refuting the chair incident and swiftly demonstrating his mobility. Ball’s response reflected understanding toward Smith’s reliance on available reports, and his aim was to clarify that his knee discomfort isn’t as severe as perceived.
“I don’t think he’ll ever be the same… I’ve heard that it’s even hard for him to get up from the sitting position… I’m really, really sad for him.”
(Via ESPN)
Ball’s demeanor during his video response suggested that he wasn’t aggrieved by Smith’s statement; he merely aimed to portray his knee pain with accuracy. The overarching desire remains to witness the 6’6″ guard back in action on the court. As Smith himself acknowledged on the ‘Podcast P’ show, he takes responsibility for any errors he makes.
“Stephen A, who are your sources bro?,” said Ball. “Please tell me who your sources are. Come on man, you gotta stop yapping. And I actually like you man, I don’t even know you like that but I like you.”
(Via The NBA Central)
Lonzo Ball’s journey from college standout to NBA challenges and knee recovery struggles highlights the resilience of an athlete determined to overcome setbacks. Through podcast revelations and video responses, Ball’s story continues to captivate fans, shedding light on the challenges professional athletes face beyond the court.
