Fans may have to wait a little longer for Lonzo Ball’s big return.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Chicago Bulls forward will undergo a third surgery on his left knee. Sources say the procedure will likely sideline Ball for most, if not all, of the 2023-2024 season.

The 25-year-old was officially sidelined last month as he experienced discomfort from a baffling knee injury. He underwent two separate knee surgeries over the past 14 months and has not played in a game since Jan. 14, 2022.

Ball’s initial surgery took place early last year, after he reportedly suffered a torn left meniscus. The Bulls anticipated a six-to-eight week recovery period; however, he was forced to undergo a second surgery back in September, as the lingering pain and discomfort hindered his performance.

“Literally, I really can’t run. I can’t run or jump. There’s a range from, like, 30 to 60 degrees when my knee is bent that I have, like, no force and I can’t, like, catch myself,” he said ahead of his second surgery. “Until I can do those things I can’t play. I did rehab. It was getting better, but it was not to a point where I could get out there and run full speed or jump. So surgery is the next step.”

Insiders told Charania all parties are optimistic about the upcoming procedure, and are confident it’ll lead to his comeback.

Stay tuned as more information becomes available.

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