Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has already been shut down for the remainder of this season. Now, Ball is facing a third surgery on his right knee that would extend that absence into next season, as well.

Ball hasn't played since suffering a torn meniscus on January 14, 2022. At the time of injury, Ball was in the midst of the best all-around season of his career and the Chicago Bulls were one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

The veteran point guard still can't run, cut or jump without pain, following two surgeries over the past year-plus. A third surgery is considered the best path for Ball to play again. Ball and his representatives are consulting specialists, but a third surgery would likely come with an additional sixth months of recovery and rehab. That would put Ball in a tough spot to be ready for the start of the 2023-24 season.