Lonzo Ball has not played an NBA game since January 2022 due to a rare knee injury, and a wrist sprain in 2025 has further delayed his return. His career earnings top $122 million, yet his future remains uncertain.
Current status: Out due to knee injury, last played in Jan 2022 | Total career earnings: Over $122 million | Draft position: 2nd overall in 2017 | Career averages: 10.6 pts, 5.3 reb, 5.6 ast | Net worth estimate: Around $40 million
Current Status
- Not playing since Jan 2022 – NBA.com
- Under contract with Chicago Bulls – Spotrac
- Recovering from knee surgery – Chicago Tribune
Career Earnings
- Over $122 million in NBA contracts – Spotrac
- Endorsements with Big Baller Brand, Crocs – SalarySport
- Estimated net worth $40 million – (unconfirmed estimate)
Ball Brothers Wealth
- LaMelo Ball: richest (~$80M net worth) – Spotrac
- Lonzo Ball: ~$40M – SalarySport
- LiAngelo Ball: <$10M – Sports Illustrated
Key Timeline
- Jan 2022: Torn meniscus – Wikipedia
- Mar 2023: Cartilage transplant – Chicago Tribune
- Oct 2024: Right wrist sprain – NBA.com
- Mar 2025: No return timetable – HoopsHype
| Full Name | Lonzo Anderson Ball |
|---|---|
| Born | October 27, 1997 |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Position | Point guard |
| NBA Draft | 2017, 1st round, 2nd overall by Los Angeles Lakers |
| Current Team | Chicago Bulls (last played) |
| Career Stats | 10.6 PTS, 5.3 REB, 5.6 AST |
What is happening with Lonzo Ball?
Lonzo Ball last played in an NBA game on January 14, 2022. He suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, which led to multiple surgeries, including a rare cartilage transplant in March 2023. In the 2024-25 season, a right wrist sprain further sidelined him. The Chicago Bulls have not ruled out a return, but no official timeline exists.
Latest injury update
As of late March 2025, Ball was still dealing with a right wrist sprain, according to HoopsHype. Bulls coach Billy Donovan said there were no plans to shut him down for the season. The Chicago Tribune reported on April 2, 2025, that Ball was focusing on rehab and had not yet received medical clearance to play. The wrist sprain began in an October 2024 game against the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA.com).
Contract status with Chicago Bulls
Lonzo Ball signed a four-year, $85 million contract with the Bulls in August 2021. In February 2025, Spotrac reported a two-year, $20 million extension with a club option for 2026-27. As of 2025, his career earnings total $122,926,665 (Spotrac).
Why is Lonzo Ball not playing in the NBA?
The primary reason is a complex left knee injury that has kept him out since January 2022.
The nature of the knee injury
Initially diagnosed with a torn meniscus, the injury later developed into a bone bruise. According to Wikipedia, Ball underwent a rare cartilage transplant surgery in March 2023. Recovery from such a procedure typically takes 12-18 months, but setbacks have extended his absence.
Setbacks and recovery timeline
Ball missed the entire 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. In the 2024-25 season, he played only 15 games before a wrist sprain sidelined him again. The wrist injury affected his shooting follow-through all season (HoopsHype). No surgery is planned for the wrist (Bleacher Report).
Who is the richest Ball brother?
LaMelo Ball is the wealthiest Ball brother, with an estimated net worth of $80 million. Lonzo Ball follows at around $40 million, while LiAngelo Ball has earned significantly less.
| Brother | NBA Earnings | Estimated Net Worth | Primary Income Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaMelo Ball | $200+ million (max contract) | $80 million | NBA contract (Charlotte Hornets) + endorsements |
| Lonzo Ball | $122.9 million | $40 million | NBA contracts + endorsements |
| LiAngelo Ball | <$1 million | <$10 million | Overseas play, music, Big Baller Brand |
The pattern: LaMelo’s massive rookie max contract dwarfs his brothers’ earnings, making him the clear financial leader of the Ball family.
Will Lonzo ever play again?
No official retirement announcement has been made. Lonzo has expressed optimism about returning, and the Bulls front office has not ruled out a comeback.
Medical outlook
Recovery from a cartilage transplant typically takes 12-18 months, but Ball has faced multiple setbacks. In June 2025, Sports Illustrated reported that Ball said he was feeling great and was back on the court that week. However, the same wrist injury that flared up in 2024-25 may require additional recovery time.
Statements from Lonzo and the Bulls
“I’m feeling great, back on the court this week.” — Lonzo Ball, via Sports Illustrated (June 2025)
“There are no plans to shut him down for the rest of the season.” — Billy Donovan, via HoopsHype (March 2025)
Comparisons to similar cases (e.g., Brandon Roy, Greg Oden) suggest that a return is possible but not guaranteed.
Why is the Ball family rich?
The Ball family’s wealth stems from multiple sources: LaVar Ball’s media presence and Big Baller Brand, combined with sizable NBA contracts earned by Lonzo and LaMelo.
LaVar Ball’s influence
LaVar Ball built the family brand through media appearances and the creation of Big Baller Brand. He also secured endorsement deals for his sons early in their careers.
NBA contracts of Lonzo and LaMelo
Lonzo Ball has earned over $122 million in NBA contracts. LaMelo Ball signed a five-year, $200+ million rookie max extension with the Charlotte Hornets. LiAngelo Ball has earned a fraction of that through overseas play and music.
Big Baller Brand and other ventures
Big Baller Brand launched signature shoes for Lonzo and LaMelo. LiAngelo has also released music, generating additional income.
Timeline
- June 2017: Drafted 2nd overall by Los Angeles Lakers – Wikipedia
- July 2019: Traded to New Orleans Pelicans – Wikipedia
- August 2021: Signed 4-year, $85 million contract with Chicago Bulls – Spotrac
- January 2022: Suffered torn meniscus in left knee – Wikipedia
- March 2023: Underwent cartilage transplant surgery – Chicago Tribune
- October 2024: Right wrist sprain in game vs Memphis – NBA.com
- March 2025: No return timetable set for wrist – HoopsHype
- June 2025: Ball said he feels great, back on court – Sports Illustrated
Confirmed Facts
- Lonzo Ball has not played since January 2022 – Wikipedia
- He underwent cartilage transplant surgery in March 2023 – Chicago Tribune
- He is still under contract with the Chicago Bulls – Spotrac
- His career earnings exceed $122 million – Spotrac
What’s Unclear
- Whether he will ever return to the NBA – no official statement
- Exact timeline for recovery – uncertain, per HoopsHype
- If the Bulls will buy out his contract – not reported
- Net worth estimate of $40 million – not independently verified
For a deeper look at how his injury has affected his family’s wealth, check out Lonzo Balls injury and net worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Lonzo Ball retired?
No, he has not announced retirement. He is still under contract with the Chicago Bulls.
What is Lonzo Ball’s injury exactly?
He has a complex left knee injury involving a torn meniscus and a bone bruise, and he underwent a cartilage transplant. He also suffered a right wrist sprain in 2024.
How much does Lonzo Ball weigh?
He is listed at 215 pounds (97.5 kg) by the NBA.
What is Lonzo Ball’s shoe size?
His shoe size is reported as US 16 (EU 49).
Is Lonzo Ball married?
No, he is not married. He has a daughter with his ex-girlfriend.
What did Lonzo Ball average in his best season?
In 2020-21 with the New Orleans Pelicans, he averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists.
Who is the oldest Ball brother?
Lonzo Ball is the oldest, born October 27, 1997. LiAngelo was born November 24, 1998, and LaMelo was born August 22, 2001.
For more sports finance insights, see Pat McAfee’s net worth and career and Aaron Naughton’s contract and injury update.
Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Reef Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.