Lonzo Ball Claps Back At Stephen A. Smith, Says He Will Return To Play Basketball

• Lonzo Ball is positive about his basketball comeback

• The Bulls guard recently underwent surgery

• Ball also called out Stephen A. Smith for his recent comments 

Lonzo Ball provided an optimistic update for fans about his basketball future, while also taking a shot at Stephen A. Smith.

According to an NBC Sports Chicago report, the Chicago Bulls guard expressed his intent to return to action after undergoing a cartilage transplant in his left knee on March 16, 2023. While at it, he also clapped back at Smith, furthering the row the duo have been at for some time now.

"The outside noise doesn't bother me. The Stephen A. thing has a wide platform. And to me, I just don't appreciate when people put out fake news like that, especially someone of his stature that can touch a lot of people."

"For me, I know what I gotta do to get back. And I'm just on a path doing what I gotta do every day, taking it step-by-step. I don't look too far ahead. I know in my near future that I will be back on the court for sure."

Ball's latest comments come on the back of his questioning of Smith's sources a few days ago.

"Stephen A. who are your sources, bro? Please tell me who your sources are," said Ball as he demonstrated his ability to sit down. "You gotta stop yapping... and I like you, man. I don't even know you like that but I like you! I'm coming back, man!"

Ball has a player option for the 2023-24 season. In the meantime, the Bulls have received a $10.2 million disabled player exception for this season because both the franchise and the guard have said he will not be playing this season. 

That said, the Bulls are right at the luxury tax threshold of $165.3 million with two non-guaranteed contracts — Carlik Jones and Terry Taylor. They cannot exceed the hard cap of $172.3 million.

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Lonzo Ball's Future In The NBA Remains Unclear

While Lonzo Ball is surely not the first player to have his career riddled with injuries, his prolonged absence from the game makes it unclear as to the form he carries when he returns.

During the 2021-22 season with the Bulls, Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while draining 42.3% from the 3PT range.

At the time of writing, the NBA world is perhaps seeing the worst phase that Ball has been put into. But with his latest update, there's optimism that he will make a brilliant return to action.

Until then, expect the situation in the Windy City to be uncertain as the Bulls wait for good health for their starting guard.

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