What return of Lonzo Ball would mean for Bulls' future

Lonzo Ball last played for the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 14, 2022. He is currently in his second full season of injury-induced absence. The 26-year-old's lingering knee issues have derailed the Bulls' ability to contend at the highest level. They had constructed their entire roster around his two-way play and passing ability. Ball is slowly working himself back to fitness, though. According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, there is 'growing optimism' the veteran ball-handler will return to the rotation next season. There is growing buzz he’ll at least try to attempt to play next season, Johnson reported. None of the current optimism matters much until he can endure contact and 5-on-5 situationsEveryone associated with the Bulls is rooting for BallSince Ball is almost guaranteed to pick up his player option, if he can play and the Bulls don’t trade him, he’ll be on the Bulls since their only way out would be to have an independent panel of doctors deem Ball’s injury career-ending. Even if he re