Lonzo Ball says he feels he gave everything to basketball, but the former NBA guard has pushed back on reports that he has officially retired.
Ball discussed his career and ongoing knee problems on the latest episode of the Ball in the Family podcast released this week.
His comments prompted reports that he was preparing to end his NBA career, but Ball later indicated that he remains available if a team calls.
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Lonzo Ball says his body has taken a toll
Ball said he is grateful to have reached the NBA and played for nine years, while acknowledging that managing his left knee has become a daily challenge.
He described continued pain and swelling after playing, saying stretching, yoga and ice help him function but do not eliminate the discomfort.
He also explained that the knee can affect his ability to stop and change direction, important movements for a guard.
The comments reflect the difficult path Ball has faced since suffering a left knee injury during the 2021-22 season with the Chicago Bulls.
The injury eventually kept him out for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
In March 2023, the Bulls announced that Ball would undergo a cartilage transplant in his left knee after earlier procedures failed to resolve the problem.
The team said at the time that he would remain out indefinitely.
He has not formally announced retirement
Ball’s remarks were widely interpreted as a sign that his playing career may be nearing its end.
However, he later rejected the idea that he had already retired, saying he was still waiting for an NBA opportunity.
That distinction matters.
Ball is currently a free agent, meaning he can still sign with a team if an organization believes he can contribute and agrees to a contract.
There is no confirmed NBA retirement announcement from Ball as of Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
His public comments instead leave open the possibility of a comeback while making clear that his physical condition remains a major factor.
Ball’s recent NBA path
Ball returned to NBA action in October 2024 after missing more than two and a half years.
He appeared in 35 games for Chicago during the 2024-25 season, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.34 steals per game.
The Bulls traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in July 2025 in exchange for Isaac Okoro.
Cleveland later moved Ball to the Utah Jazz in a three-team transaction in February 2026.
Utah waived him after acquiring him, making him a free agent.
Ball’s 2025-26 season was limited, although NBA records list him as appearing for Cleveland before the trade.
His profile lists averages of 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the season.
What comes next for Lonzo Ball
The immediate question is whether an NBA team will offer Ball another opportunity before or during the 2026-27 season.
His passing, defensive instincts and size remain potential assets, but teams would also have to assess his knee, availability and ability to handle a regular role.
Ball’s recent history suggests that even a return to professional basketball would likely require careful workload management.
For now, Ball’s position is more complicated than a retirement announcement.
He has spoken openly about the physical price of his career and suggested that he may have reached the limits of what his body can comfortably handle, while still signalling that he would listen if an NBA team came calling.
That leaves Ball’s future unresolved: he is not officially retired, but his next opportunity will depend heavily on his health and whether a team believes his all-around game can outweigh the risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Lonzo Ball officially retired from the NBA?
No. As of September 23, 2026, Ball has not formally announced his retirement and has indicated that he is still waiting for a potential NBA opportunity.
What did Lonzo Ball say about his career?
Ball said he feels he gave everything he had to basketball and is grateful for the nine years he spent in the NBA.
What injury has affected Lonzo Ball’s career?
Ball has dealt with a serious left knee injury that required multiple procedures, including a cartilage transplant announced by the Chicago Bulls in March 2023.
Which team did Lonzo Ball last play for?
Ball last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2025-26 season. He was later traded to the Utah Jazz and waived.
Can Lonzo Ball still return to the NBA?
Yes. Because he has not officially retired and is a free agent, he could sign with an NBA team if an organization offers him a contract.
Fact-Checked: Key career, injury and transaction details were checked against NBA and Chicago Bulls information, while Ball’s latest comments were reviewed through the official podcast release and his public response.
Disclaimer: Ball’s playing future remains unresolved and could change if he signs with a team or makes a formal retirement announcement.