After missing the last two NBA seasons due to multiple knee surgeries, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball was finally able to get back onto the court in late November.
However, it hasn’t been the easiest comeback for the former UCLA star, averaging 7.3 points on 34.9% shooting, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists through 32 games played.
On Monday, the Bulls, riding a six-game losing streak, were back in action, taking on Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers.
With just under six minutes remaining in the first half, Ball took a hit to the head on a Kelly Oubre layup attempt. He was forced to go to the locker room as Kevin Huerter checked in.
Turns out, Ball suffered a head laceration and was unable to return to the game. The Bulls made the official injury announcement on X.
“Injury Update: Lonzo Ball (head laceration) will not return.”
A head laceration won’t force Ball to miss much time. Detroit Pistons guard Tim Hardaway Jr. suffered a similar injury back in a November game against the Miami Heat, causing him to miss the next three games.
However, Ball could miss no time at all. In 2019, Luka Doncic suffered a head laceration with the Dallas Mavericks but was able to play through it.
Following the 76ers game, Ball and the Bulls will head back to Chicago for a two-game home stand. They will get James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday and Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors on Friday.
