Lonzo Ball Reveals the One Change He’d Make in His NBA Career: A Self-Reflective Journey
Lonzo Ball’s NBA career has been full of promise, but also marked by significant challenges. Since being selected as the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Ball has proven himself as one of the most talented and versatile point guards in the league. Known for his basketball IQ, vision, defensive ability, and all-around game, Ball quickly became one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA. However, like many highly touted athletes, his journey has been a rollercoaster ride—filled with standout moments, personal growth, and, unfortunately, debilitating injuries.
In a recent interview, Ball opened up about his career and the one thing he would change if given the chance to do it all over again. His response shed light not only on his evolution as a player but also on how the physical demands of professional basketball have shaped his perspective on injury management, recovery, and the overall approach to maintaining longevity in a grueling league.
A Career Marked by Promise and Challenges
From the moment Lonzo Ball stepped onto the NBA stage, his unique skill set was apparent. His vision and passing were exceptional for a player his age, and his ability to control the pace of a game made him one of the most coveted point guards in the league. Ball’s defense, particularly his ability to guard multiple positions, further added to his allure as a complete player. His combination of size (6’6″), athleticism, and skill made him a dynamic asset on both ends of the floor.
However, Ball’s early years in the league were far from perfect. In his rookie season with the Lakers, he struggled with shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. His unorthodox shooting form became a focal point of criticism, though many believed that with time, his shot would improve. Despite the offensive inconsistencies, Ball’s defensive ability and playmaking remained his strong suits.
In 2019, Ball was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers. In New Orleans, Ball found a bit more stability. He began to improve his shooting mechanics and became an integral part of the Pelicans’ up-tempo style of play. His vision and passing continued to impress, and his defense was as strong as ever. His time in New Orleans allowed him to further develop as a player, and many believed he was on the verge of breaking out into a star.
In 2021, Ball’s career took another significant turn when he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal. The Bulls, eager to add a point guard who could distribute the ball and elevate the team’s offense, seemed to have found the perfect match in Ball. His arrival in Chicago was greeted with optimism, as he was expected to form a dynamic backcourt with All-Stars Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. However, despite the promising start, Ball’s first season with the Bulls was cut short by injury.
The injury that has loomed largest over Ball’s career in recent years is the knee issue that surfaced in January 2022. Ball’s meniscus injury kept him sidelined for most of the 2022-23 season and has prevented him from making a full recovery. Even as of 2024, Ball has not returned to the court, leading to growing concerns about his future and his ability to return to the level of play that made him a top draft pick in the first place.
The One Thing Lonzo Ball Would Change: Injury Management
In his recent interview, Lonzo Ball was asked about the one thing he would change if he could go back and revisit his NBA career. His answer was surprisingly self-aware and thoughtful, touching on a common theme for athletes at the top of their game: injury management. Ball responded candidly:
“I think the one thing I would change is the way I approached my injury situation early in my career. I wish I had been more proactive in addressing some of the little issues before they became bigger problems. I’m still learning how to take care of my body at this level, and it’s something I wish I had taken more seriously from the start.”
This reflection is both a sign of maturity and an acknowledgment of the reality that many athletes face when transitioning into professional sports. When young players enter the NBA, the focus is often on improving their skills, building their game, and performing at a high level. However, the physical toll that years of competition and the demanding schedule of the NBA can take on a player’s body is not always fully appreciated early on.
Ball’s comment speaks volumes about the challenges of maintaining health and longevity in the NBA. Players often push through minor injuries and wear and tear because of the pressure to perform, but as Ball points out, ignoring smaller issues can lead to much larger, career-altering problems down the road. For Ball, this realization came later in his career, especially after the knee injury that has since become the focal point of his professional life.
The Importance of Injury Prevention and Longevity in the NBA
The NBA is a grueling sport, both mentally and physically. With the travel schedule, the intense competition, and the nearly year-round nature of the league, injuries are an unfortunate inevitability for many players. The difference between those who can have long, successful careers and those who are plagued by injuries often comes down to how well they manage their bodies off the court. This includes everything from strength training and flexibility to nutrition, rest, recovery, and mental health.
Ball’s injury struggles have brought to light the importance of managing injuries proactively, especially as players reach the highest levels of competition. Given the intensity of the NBA season, players are often left with little time to properly recover from the strains of playing at such a high level. This makes injury prevention, rest, and recovery even more critical for a player like Ball, who relies on his agility, quickness, and defensive ability.
As Ball’s career progresses, it’s likely that he is now more attuned to the demands of the game and the importance of maintaining a comprehensive approach to injury prevention. Today, many NBA players are more knowledgeable than ever about recovery techniques and strategies that can extend their careers. From cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen chambers to specialized physical therapy and diet regimens, the focus on recovery has become just as crucial as performance on the court.
The Road to Recovery: Will Lonzo Ball Return to Form?
As Ball continues his recovery process, there is hope that he will eventually return to the court, though his exact timeline remains uncertain. The mental and physical toll of a long recovery can be challenging, particularly for a player whose career was just beginning to hit its stride. Ball’s resilience and commitment to returning to form will undoubtedly be tested as he continues to rehab his knee, but his self-reflection on injury management indicates that he has learned valuable lessons along the way.
When healthy, Ball remains one of the most well-rounded point guards in the league. His playmaking ability, court vision, defensive prowess, and improving shot have made him a potential game-changer for the Bulls. He could bring a new level of stability to the Chicago backcourt, offering elite floor-spacing, and defensive leadership. Ball’s absence has left a hole in the Bulls’ lineup, and his return would add much-needed balance to the team.
However, the road to recovery is rarely straightforward. Knee injuries, especially those as significant as Ball’s, are notoriously difficult to overcome. Many NBA players have had their careers altered or cut short due to knee problems, which makes Ball’s recovery all the more critical to his future. He will need to ensure that his body is fully prepared to handle the rigors of an NBA season before he returns to action.
Lonzo Ball’s Legacy and Future in the NBA
Despite the setbacks, Lonzo Ball’s legacy in the NBA is far from settled. While his career has been marred by injuries, his potential as a player is undeniable. If he can overcome his current challenges and return to full health, Ball has the ability to become a cornerstone of the Bulls’ future, contributing in ways that few other point guards can.
More importantly, Ball’s journey serves as an important lesson for aspiring players. His reflection on his injury management underscores the importance of taking care of one’s body from the outset of an NBA career. The physical demands of the game are high, and longevity is often determined by the choices athletes make off the court.
As for Ball’s future, much of it depends on his recovery. If he can return to the level of play that made him a top prospect, the sky is the limit for his career. Whether or not he can stay healthy will be a determining factor in his ability to lead the Bulls to success. Nonetheless, the resilience he has shown in the face of adversity speaks volumes about his character, and his journey remains one to watch.
Conclusion
Lonzo Ball’s career has not been without its challenges, but his recent reflections show that he is evolving both as a player and as a person. His acknowledgment of the importance of injury prevention and body management highlights a crucial aspect of NBA longevity, and his journey to recovery will continue to be a major storyline in the years to come. As fans, we can only hope to see the fully healthy version of Ball back on the court, playing the game he loves at the highest level.
With his talent, maturity, and newfound understanding of how to maintain his body, Lonzo Ball’s story is far from over. If he can return to full health, there is no telling just how much more he can accomplish in his NBA career.
