Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball, former teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers from 2017 to 2019, continue to share a strong bond, even as their NBA careers have taken different paths. Despite the physical distance and the changes in their professional lives, the camaraderie and mutual respect they built during their time as Lakers have remained steadfast.
Josh Hart, now a key player for the New York Knicks, recently took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to publicly commend Ball’s dedication and perseverance following several injury-riddled seasons. In a heartfelt post, Hart expressed admiration for Ball’s relentless efforts to get back on the court, highlighting a training video where Ball showcased his signature pick-up threes, indicating his unwavering commitment to the game.
League is better when Zo is healthy https://t.co/bB3lo8dp5d
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) July 24, 2024
Lonzo Ball has faced a challenging journey over the past few years. Multiple knee injuries, including a series of meniscus surgeries, have sidelined him since January 2022. Ball last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season and has been working tirelessly to make a strong comeback.
In the second episode of his podcast, “What an Experience,” Ball opened up about the severity of his knee injury and the arduous recovery process. He revealed that the injury initially began with a meniscus tear during his time with the Lakers. Over the years, the injury worsened, leading to a point where there was hardly any meniscus left, resulting in bone-on-bone friction.
“To make a long story short, ultimately, it started with the meniscus tear,” Ball explained. “Basically, it started on the Lakers when I tore it the first time. Tore it a couple more times to a point to where there was no more, basically, not much meniscus left and bone on bone was rubbing.”
“So the cartilage was gone, and the bone was messed up, so I had to get, actually, a new meniscus from a donor. I had to get a bone allograft and I had to get some cartilage put in, as well. All that finally healed up, and I’m back on the court now,” he added.
.@ZO2_ breaks down his injury for the first time. pic.twitter.com/Igl7qjS2Vi
— The WAE Show (@TheWAEShow) May 24, 2024
While there’s no definitive timeline for Ball’s return to competitive play, the latest training video offers a glimmer of hope for Bulls fans and basketball enthusiasts. The sight of Ball back on the court, moving with confidence and agility, has sparked optimism about his potential comeback.
Reflecting on his early days with the Lakers, Ball recounted a vivid memory of witnessing LeBron James’ sheer dominance in practice. Ball, in his second NBA season when LeBron joined the Lakers in 2019, was awestruck by James’ explosive performance.
“I’ve never seen an individual do that type on a basketball court. Basically, Bron dominated the whole practice once he turned it on. Going through the middle windmilling like in half-court, going baseline tomahawk, half-court 3s,” Ball recalled.
“We were playing to 21, he had 21 and we had 7. That was the first time I was like, ‘Damn, that’s crazy.’ I had no business being in front of him right now.”
.@Zo2_ speaks on @KingJames in practice 😂 pic.twitter.com/Xdb7sJAr3e
— The WAE Show (@TheWAEShow) July 19, 2024
The enduring bond between Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball is a testament to the deep connections formed through shared experiences in professional sports. Their friendship, bolstered by mutual respect and admiration, is a refreshing reminder of the human aspect of the NBA. In a league often dominated by headlines about trades, contracts, and rivalries, stories like this highlight the personal relationships that define the true spirit of the game.
Lonzo Ball’s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. His candid revelations about his injuries and the grueling recovery process offer a rare glimpse into the physical and emotional toll professional athletes endure. As fans, we often see the glamour and success, but Ball’s story reminds us of the struggles behind the scenes. His potential return to the court is not just about personal redemption but also about inspiring others facing similar challenges.
As Lonzo Ball continues his recovery, the basketball world watches with bated breath. His journey, marked by setbacks and unwavering resolve, is a beacon of hope for many. Meanwhile, Josh Hart’s public support underscores the deep bonds formed in the NBA, transcending teams and seasons. Together, their story is a compelling blend of friendship, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of the game.
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