Lonzo Ball, whose career has been significantly impacted by a two-year absence due to a serious knee injury and complications from surgery, recently expressed profound gratitude simply for being able to play basketball again. Following an offseason trade that sent him from the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ball sees a potential path for his comeback story to culminate in his first NBA championship.
The trade, which saw Ball move to Cleveland in exchange for Isaac Okoro, surprised many analysts considering the modest return for a player with Ball`s known upside, despite his injury history. For the Cavaliers, it represented a relatively low-risk acquisition for a backup point guard who could provide crucial support behind Darius Garland, adding valuable depth to their backcourt and potentially enhancing their chances for a deep playoff run next season.
Speaking on “What an Experience,” Ball articulated his clear objective with his new team: “Just playing, competing for a ring. I feel like that should be the goal. I feel like that is the goal. Happy to get over there, get started, meet everybody, get familiar with everything and take it as far as we can.”
Cleveland`s need for veteran depth was underscored by another disappointing early exit from the playoffs. The importance of fortifying the point guard position became even more apparent when star guard Darius Garland underwent surgery to address a toe injury that hampered him late last season. The team announced that Garland is expected to miss between four to five months recovering.
Ball`s own health remains a significant question mark. The Cavaliers have invested in a player who has never completed a full season and played in only 35 games last year after returning from his initial knee issues.
Reflecting on the trade, Ball stated, “It`s just a blessing, to be honest. Everybody keeps asking me how I feel about the trade. I`m like, I`m happy to still be playing anywhere, let alone a team that has a real chance to win a ring. My whole life I`ve been playing the right brand of basketball, and that`s to win games. I feel like I`m going to a great situation, and I just want to play my role and do what I can to help.”
The Cavaliers do possess some flexibility regarding Ball`s contract. He has two years and $20 million remaining on his current deal, but the second year is structured as a team option, providing Cleveland with the ability to decline it if necessary.
Ball`s most productive period was five years ago, when he averaged career highs in points (14.6), assists (5.7), and rebounds (4.8). In contrast, last season with the Bulls, he appeared in 35 games as a part-time starter, producing considerably lower averages of 7.6 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
Jasper Hawthorne