Lonzo Ball makes feelings known about returning for Bulls after 2-year hiatus: "I was definitely blessed"

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball on Friday shared his thoughts on getting the opportunity to play again this season after missing two full seasons due to several injuries.

The injury bug has plagued the 27-year-old since he joined the Bulls in 2021. On Sunday, Ball started his first NBA game this season.

In Friday's episode of "What An Experience with Lonzo Ball," the 6-foot-6 guard was asked what it felt like hearing his name announced in the starting lineup.

"It felt good, man," Ball said (Timestamp: 13:57). "I wish we would've gotten the dub though, honestly. But to be fair, bro, whether I start or I don't start, I feel like the game is the same for me. Just go in there. When I'm out there, try to do what I can and help the team win."

Sunday's home game against the Sacramento Kings marked Ball’s first start since the 2021-22 season, his first year with Chicago. During that season, Ball started all 35 games he played in.

"Whether I come in off the bench or if I start, it's no difference to me," Ball added (Timestamp: 14:10). "My minutes is at around 24, 25 minutes right now. So, I know I'm going to play that regardless.

This year, Ball has been playing with a minutes restriction. In 21 games, he is averaging just 20.0 minutes per game. The most he has logged in a game this season is 25:54 minutes, in a win against the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 30.

Despite this, Ball said he was blessed to hear his name and acknowledged the crowd at the United Center.

"I was definitely blessed to hear my name," Ball said (Timestamp: 14:19). "It was cool. I know it's been a long time — know the city was happy, I could hear the applause, man. It was definitely a great night."

In Sunday's loss to the Kings, Ball played over 25 minutes and shot 5-for-9 (5-for-8 on 3-pointers) for 15 points. He also dished out three assists. Despite the loss, Ball assured his fans that his minutes will eventually increase.

Lonzo Ball makes his first dunk in three years

On Jan. 1, Lonzo Ball showed he could still dunk despite his past injuries. Late in the third period of the loss against the Washington Wizards, Ball made a steal and immediately sprinted to the other end. His teammate quickly passed him the ball for an easy fast-break dunk, to the delight of Chicago Bulls fans in the arena.

A clip of the dunk was shared by the Bulls' account on X (formerly Twitter).

Selected by the LA Lakers as the second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the injury-stricken Ball has been averaging career lows across the board this season.

He is in the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract, according to Spotrac. He hopes to increase his production soon, as he will be an unrestricted free agent next season.