NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns
For the past few years, Lonzo Ball has failed to consistently make his way into an NBA lineup, with many believing that due to injury, it was a matter of how long he would last in the league before calling it quits.
That’s a tough outcome for a former No. 2 overall pick that showed so much promise throughout his career, but unfortunately, like so many in league history, his career is going to be defined by the injuries. Last season, Ball appeared in 35 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but on Wednesday, he made an announcement about his future in the league that won’t shock too many people.
Lonzo Ball Opens Up on Basketball and His Injury
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic
Jan 24, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots a three point basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
After appearing in no NBA games between 2022 and 2024 due to the career altering knee injury, the belief around the league was that Ball may never step foot on the floor again in the NBA. However, he managed to do so, appearing in 70 games for the Cavaliers over the past two seasons, and while he was a contributor, he was never quite the same again.
As a result, Ball recently addressed his future, and while he never said that he retired, his statement has led many to believe this could be the end for him in the league.
“I feel like I gave everything I had to hoop, and I feel like everything I got in my life is because of hoop,” said Ball. “I’m grateful to even make it to the league and be able to play for 9 years.”
Lonzo Ball indicates he's done with 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."pic.twitter.com/z561ttSNSJ
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) September 23, 2026
Will We See Lonzo in the NBA Again?
Despite averaging 5 points, 4 assists and 4 boards per game in 21 minutes a night for Cleveland, there’s been very little interest in Ball as a free agent this summer, with more and more talented young players entering the league that can fill a role. This has led many to believe Ball is announcing his retirement from the NBA, but given that he’s still only 28-years-old, with no official announcement, it’s unclear what his future is.
What we do know is that Ball’s time as a potential starter in the league is done, as he would only be able to play a limited role from the bench if he were to ever find a new team in the sport, whether that be in the NBA or elsewhere.
Ultimately, if this is Ball announcing that he’s done with the NBA, it will be a career that was cut short due to injury after showing so much promise early in his career, but after some great success, there’s so much for him to be proud of over the past nine years in the league.