History of Lonzo Ball in Timeline
Lonzo Ball is a professional basketball player currently playing point guard for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. After a single season of college basketball at UCLA, where he earned All-American honors, he was drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017. He was selected for the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2018, marking a promising start to his NBA career.
May 2017: Big Baller Brand Announces ZO2 Shoe
In May 2017, Big Baller Brand announced the release of Lonzo Ball's first shoe, the ZO2, priced at $495.
September 2017: Ball Releases First Rap Single
In September 2017, Lonzo Ball released his first rap single, "Melo Ball 1", an ode to his youngest brother, LaMelo.
December 20, 2017: Ball Announced as JBA Logo
On December 20, 2017, Lonzo Ball was announced as the logo for the Junior Basketball Association (JBA).
February 15, 2018: Ball Participates in Lip Sync Battle and Releases Debut Album
On February 15, 2018, Lonzo Ball and his father participated in Lip Sync Battle, and Lonzo released his debut album, Born 2 Ball.
April 6, 2018: Jordan Crawford Wears ZO2s
On April 6, 2018, Jordan Crawford became the first player besides Lonzo Ball to wear the ZO2s during a game.
March 2019: Ball Cuts Ties with Alan Foster
In March 2019, Lonzo Ball cut his ties with Big Baller Brand's manager and co-founder Alan Foster, accusing him of financial misconduct.
July 6, 2019: Lakers trade Ball to Pelicans
On July 6, 2019, the Lakers traded Lonzo Ball, along with other players and draft picks, to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis.
December 2019: Lonzo Ball's Performance
From December 2019 to March 2020, Lonzo Ball played a 45-game span where he averaged 12.7 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds.
January 18, 2020: Ball Records First Triple-Double of the Season
On January 18, 2020, Lonzo Ball recorded his first triple-double of the season with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
March 2020: Lonzo Ball Matches Career-High Three-Pointers
In March 2020, Lonzo Ball matched his then career-high seven three-pointers, while recording 26 points and eight assists in a loss to the Timberwolves.
2020: Ball Develops New Shooting Form
Heading into the 2020-21 NBA season, videos of Lonzo Ball's new shooting form emerged.
2020: New Role with Pelicans
Heading into the 2020-21 season, Lonzo Ball was placed in a 3-and-D role by the new Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy.
2020: Ball Competes on The Masked Singer
In 2020, Lonzo Ball competed on the fourth season of The Masked Singer as "Whatchamacallit". He was eliminated on Week 8.
January 29, 2021: Ball Matches Career-Highs
On January 29, 2021, Lonzo Ball matched his then career-high seven three-pointers, and scored a season-high 27 points, in a win over the Bucks.
August 8, 2021: Ball Traded to the Chicago Bulls
On August 8, 2021, Lonzo Ball was traded to the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal. He also signed a four-year contract extension.
January 14, 2022: Last game before injury
January 14, 2022 was the last time Ball played before injuries took him off the court.
January 20, 2022: Ball to Undergo Knee Surgery
On January 20, 2022, the Bulls announced that Lonzo Ball would undergo surgery on his left knee due to a meniscus tear.
2022: Ball Undergoes Knee Surgery
Ahead of the 2022–23 season, Ball underwent arthroscopic debridement.
February 21, 2023: Ball Out for Remainder of Season
On February 21, 2023, the Bulls announced that Lonzo Ball would be out for the remainder of the season due to recurring discomfort during basketball activities.
March 16, 2023: Ball Undergoes Cartilage Transplant
On March 16, 2023, Lonzo Ball underwent a cartilage transplant in his left knee.
June 2023: Doubt Cast on Ball's Return
In June 2023, Bulls vice president Arturas Karnisovas stated that the team does not expect Lonzo Ball to be able to play in the 2023-24 season.
January 2024: Ball Expected to Start Running
In January 2024, Chicago head coach Billy Donovan said that Lonzo Ball was expected to start running.
May 2024: Ball Reveals Meniscus Transplant
In May 2024, Lonzo Ball revealed that he also received a meniscus transplant for his knee.
July 2024: Ball Cleared for Full-Contact Scrimmages
In July 2024, Lonzo Ball was cleared to participate in full-contact five-on-five scrimmages.
January 12, 2025: Ball Makes First Start in Nearly Three Years
On January 12, 2025, Lonzo Ball made his first start in nearly three years, scoring 15 points in a loss to the Sacramento Kings.
February 5, 2025: Ball Agrees to Contract Extension
On February 5, 2025, Lonzo Ball and the Bulls agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract extension.
