Lonzo Ball shuts down claim he's retiring from NBA: 'Still waiting for a call' image
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball (2) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
At 29 years old, Lonzo Ball has yet to sign with an NBA team this offseason.
The standout passer, who has repeatedly dealt with injuries in recent years, was traded to Utah from Cleveland in February, but never played a game for the Jazz.
For a few hours on Wednesday, it appeared Ball was ready to call it a career, going viral for comments looking back at how his time in the NBA has played out. But Ball quickly shut down any "retirement" talks soon after.
Here are the comments that led NBA fans to believe Ball was retiring and how he responded.
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Lonzo Ball reveals reason for making NBA retirement decision
Considering Ball has gone unsigned this offseason, with the NBA season around a month away, and he's dealt with significant knee injuries in the past, comments recently made by the point guard appeared to indicate he was ready to move on from basketball.
"I feel like I gave everything I had to hoop, and I feel like everything I got in my life is because of hoop. I’m grateful to even make it to the league and be able to play for 9 years," Ball told Gilbert Arenas in a recent interview. “I don’t think I ever got to my peak, and damn, that s--- sucks, but at the same time there’s people that don’t have meals at night to eat. That’s how I look at the world.”
With the way Ball phrased those comments, NBA fans interpreted them as an indication of his retirement from basketball, looking back on what he did accomplish.
A few hours after those comments went viral, though, Ball took a step back a bit.
"I retired? News to me lol cuz I’m still waiting for a call," Ball wrote on X. "NBA season long."
At the least, Ball was willing to acknowledge that his NBA career is winding down. But considering he's a free agent and has some known talent, averaging 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals over 20.8 minutes per game in 2025-26, he may get another opportunity.
For now, Ball can't be considered "retired" — but until he signs with another team, there aren't expectations that he'll be back on an NBA court.