Former UCLA Bruins point guard Lonzo Ball, now with the Chicago Bulls, has decided to opt into the final year of his current contract, securing $21.4 million for the 2024-25 NBA season.

By the Numbers
  • Lonzo Ball's decision: He has opted into the final year of his current contract, worth $21.4 million for the 2024-25 season.
  • Contract details: It's the last season of a four-year, $80 million deal he inked in a sign-and-trade between Chicago and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Yes, But

Despite his decision to pick up the option, there's a significant chance that Lonzo Ball may never play professional basketball again due to ongoing health issues, including three knee surgeries.

State of Play
  • Lonzo Ball's health: He has undergone three knee surgeries while with Chicago and has not been healthy enough to play in an NBA game since January 2022.
  • Impact on the team: His health struggles, coupled with the team's reluctance to waive or trade him, have significantly impacted the Chicago Bulls' performance, moving them from a frisky East also-ran in 2021-22 to a middling play-in non-contender.
What's Next

Given his ongoing health struggles, the future of Lonzo Ball's professional basketball career remains uncertain, and his impact on the Chicago Bulls' performance will continue to be a topic of interest and concern.

Bottom Line

Lonzo Ball's decision to opt into his contract brings financial security, but his ongoing health issues cast a shadow over his future in professional basketball and continue to impact the Chicago Bulls' performance.