Lonzo Ball responds to retirement reports after nine NBA seasons and major knee issues

Lonzo Ball’s next chapter in professional basketball continues to be uncertain, but retirement is not something he has formally announced. After remarks about his nine-year NBA profession were interpreted by some as a potential farewell, Ball responded publicly.

During the latest episode of the Ball In the Family podcast, Ball talked about the physical concerns that have followed him throughout his NBA career. Mirroring his time in the league, he said, "I feel like I gave everything I had" through his initial nine seasons.

"I feel like I gave everything I had to hoop, and I feel like everything I got in my life is because of hoop. I'm grateful to even make it to the league and be able to play for nine years," he stated.

The remarks were followed by reports and social-media discussion indicating that Ball could be finished with basketball. Ball subsequently rejected that interpretation on X.

"I retired? News to me lol cuz I'm still waiting for a call… NBA season long," Ball stated.

This made clear that Ball had not formally retired and was still waiting for another NBA opportunity.

A Career Interrupted by Injuries

Ball got into the NBA after the Los Angeles Lakers chose him with the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. His initial season already included an injury setback, as he faced an MCL sprain midway through his rookie campaign.

Ball underwent arthroscopic meniscus surgery in July 2018 but he returned in time for the starting of the 2018-19 season and appeared in the Lakers' first 47 games before an ankle injury brought his sophomore season to an early conclusion.

His time in New Orleans produced two seasons that were explained as arguably the best of his career. Across 118 appearances, Ball averaged 13.1 points while shooting 37.6 percent from three-point range, along with 6.4 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game.

From Chicago to Cleveland and Utah

Chicago traded Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers in July 2025 in exchange for Isaac Okoro. During his time with Cleveland, Ball appeared in 35 games and averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 20.8 minutes per game.

The Cavaliers then traded him to the Utah Jazz in February 2026 as part of a three-team deal. Utah waived him the following day, and Ball hasn't appeared in a game for the Jazz.

His recent NBA appearance came on Feb. 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers.

There have been some indications that teams are now pursuing Ball. The previous season had been his first in many years when he was available on a relatively consistent basis.

Retirement Has Not Been Announced

Speculation regarding Ball's retirement grew following his comments regarding giving everything he had to basketball and reflecting on the impact of injuries on his profession.

Ball's own reaction, however, contradicted the retirement claims.

Ball has therefore not formally announced his retirement. His comments suggest that he remains interested in another NBA opportunity, although his health history and latest availability have made his playing future uncertain.

Currently, the former No. 2 pick continues to be an unsigned veteran waiting to see whether another opportunity arrives his way.

FAQs:

1. Who is Lonzo Ball? Lonzo Ball is a professional basketball player who entered the NBA in 2017. He was selected with the No. 2 overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers.

2. Has Lonzo Ball retired from the NBA? Lonzo Ball has not formally announced his retirement. He said on X that he was still waiting for an NBA opportunity.