Lonzo Ball Finished in the NBA: Report

February 27, 2026 , ,


It's been a tough few years for the once heralded 2nd overall pick, Lonzo Ball. He was forced to sit out nearly three years with a frustrating knee injury that just refused to heal. He returned last season with the Chicago Bulls, but managed to play just 35 games, and about 20 minutes a night. 

This year, he signed on with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but after an unremarkable 35 outings he was traded to the Utah Jazz, who then immediately waived him. 

Interested teams began doing their due diligence on his medical records, in particular the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. But apparently, they didn't like what they found, and Lonzo has remained unsigned.

Now, according to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, it appears that Ball's NBA days may be finished.

Siegel writes that Ball is still working on strengthening his game and his health while he awaits another opportunity. But it sounds like if he wants to pursue that, it might just have to come overseas.

Ball was the No. 2 pick by the LA Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft, and stepped right into a starter's role in his rookie season. He posted what is still a career high 7.2 assists per night, to go with 10.2 points and 1.7 steals. The next few years were strong as well, and he boosted his scoring into the low teens in New Orleans and Chicago, in addition to his exciting playmaking and elite perimeter defensive abilities. 

But then came the serious injuries to his left knee, which resulted in multiple surgeries and nearly 3 years on the shelf. He hasn't been the same player since his return. 

Photo: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | MLB Rumors | NHL Rumors