Lonzo Ball’s New Chapter with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Lonzo Ball, the veteran guard recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Chicago Bulls, is eager to embrace a fresh chapter in his professional career. Unlike previous offseasons burdened by injury rehabilitation, this time, he is focused on integrating with his new team following the trade that was officially confirmed at the beginning of the new league year on June 30.
Meeting with the Coaching Staff
Ball met with the Cavaliers’ coaching staff and medical personnel at their training facility in Independence, Ohio, on Monday. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to play alongside star guard Donovan Mitchell and highlighted the advantages of having agile big men who can execute pick-and-rolls effectively.
“I believe the system here aligns well with my style of play,”
Ball stated, acknowledging the team’s strong offensive and defensive capabilities.
Past Season Struggles
During the past season, Ball’s statistics reflected a limited role, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game over 35 games. He struggled with injuries that plagued him over the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, primarily a debilitating knee issue that led to a meniscus and cartilage transplant in March 2023 after numerous surgical attempts at repair. Fortunately, Ball felt that his knee showed improvement throughout the season, though he faced complications related to a sprained right wrist that sidelined him for the final stretch of the year.
Contract and Future Prospects
The 27-year-old guard, who was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft, is now on a contract that lasts for just one more season with an option for 2026-27. The Cavaliers recognized a vacuum in the point guard position, especially since Darius Garland may not be ready for the beginning of the upcoming season due to recent toe surgery and Ty Jerome‘s departure to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Aiming for Championship Contention
Despite the Cavaliers boasting the second-best record in the league last season (64 wins to 18 losses), they faced a premature exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. Having never competed in a playoff game, Ball is keen on changing that narrative, implying that the upcoming season is a crucial opportunity to contend for a championship.
“With such a strong foundation in place, we have to focus on preparing ourselves to contend for a title,”
Ball concluded, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his physical condition as he gears up for the new season ahead.
