The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but the 28-year-old remains a free agent and his NBA days feel uncertain. Ball entered the league with superstar potential. He was drafted over Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, Lauri Markkanen, and De’Aaron Fox. Having a 6’5 playmaker is an advantage, but injuries kept Ball from reaching his ceiling. There were flashes, but Ball has struggled mightily since returning from a devastating 2023 meniscus and cartilage transplant.
Ball spent his first two NBA seasons with the Lakers before being traded for Anthony Davis. Los Angeles never looked back. They won the title in 2020 as Ball's production increased and health questions rose. He averaged just 54.3 games per year in his first four seasons, and things only got worse from there. Ball was traded to the Bulls for a second-round pick in 2021 and managed to play just 105 contests over the next five years. Ball has had several knee injuries and surgeries, but the latest has been a struggle to return from.
Ball missed two full seasons before returning at the start of the 2024-25 season. He managed to play just 35 games, despite being back on opening night. The Bulls traded him to Cleveland in a swap for Isaac Okoro, and Ball had the worst year of his career. The Cavs gave up two second-rounders to dump his contract, and the Jazz quickly waived him in February. With Ball still unsigned, his NBA days are uncertain.
Lonzo Ball remains a free agent
Ball averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in 20.8 minutes per game last season for the Cavaliers. He shot just 30.1 percent from the field and 27.2 percent on his 3-point attempts, but Ball had a positive value over replacement player (VORP). His win shares per 48 minutes and VORP were the worst of his career, but he still showed defensive and playmaking flashes.
Cleveland was 6.7 points per 100 possessions better with Ball on the bench last season. They had a 0.1 net rating when he played and were 3.2 points per 100 better defensively, but his offensive inefficiency was a problem.
Ball’s athleticism and explosiveness appeared gone after the knee injuries. He has a high basketball IQ, but struggled to compete against NBA competition.
Lonzo Ball showed tremendous desire to return from injuries
Ball’s career has been derailed by injuries. He has never played more than 63 games in a season and averages just 46 contests per if you take out the two years he completely missed while recovering from knee surgeries.
Most figured Ball’s playing days were done after he underwent three knee surgeries in less than one year. He was the first NBA player to ever return from a double cartilage replacement. He literally didn’t play an NBA game from Jan. 14, 2022 until Oct. 23, 2024.
Ball wasn’t the same player after his return, but his comeback should be celebrated. It was historic and unprecedented. The 6’5 guard didn’t have the same athleticism and was unquestionably a role player who needed to have his minutes monitored closely. None of that should take away from the work and desire Ball displayed in coming back after years on the shelf.
Lonzo Ball hasn’t ruled out an NBA return
Ball was clear that he was focused on the moment when asked about playing in Los Angeles again in 2025. Lonzo said he thinks “the ship has sailed” about playing with his brothers in the NBA this offseason. At no point has the 28-year-old announced his retirement. That alone shows there is still interest to find a team.
He hasn’t played in the NBA since Feb. 1, 2026. Ball should be in his prime, but the injuries may have ruined his shot.
Do not rule out Lonzo getting a chance this season. He needs to prove he’s healthy and can be more efficient than last season. Fans have seen Ball impact the game with his playmaking and defense. Those could be avenues to him getting another shot from some team this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers already have 16 players under contract and too many guards. Bronny James is unlikely to see the floor, and the purple and gold are committed to developing him.
Ball shouldn’t turn down an opportunity if he wants to return to the NBA. Ben Simmons is making a comeback after missing last season. Lonzo Ball could do something similar if he can prove he’s healthy and closer to the pre-injury version than fans saw last year. His future is uncertain, and nothing can be ruled out. Remaining a free agent is a negative sign, but crazier things have happened.
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