Lonzo Ball Retirement: Former Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Lakers Guard Refutes Rumours He Has Quit Basketball, Vows NBA Comeback at 28
Lonzo Ball, 28, has officially denied recent retirement rumors, affirming his intent for an NBA comeback. The unrestricted free agent's comments on his podcast were misinterpreted.
Amid swirling speculation, former Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball has emphatically shut down rumors of his retirement, confirming his desire to make an NBA comeback. The news broke on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after comments made by Ball on his 'Ball in the Family Podcast' were widely misinterpreted as an announcement of the end of his professional basketball career. Michael Sweetney Dies: Former New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls Forward Passes Away at 43,
Lonzo Ball Refutes Rumours
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ball directly addressed the misinformation, stating, "I retired? News to me lol cuz I'm still waiting for a call… NBA season long 🤷🏻♂️". This swift denial underscores the 28-year-old's commitment to returning to the hardwood, despite a challenging and injury-riddled journey.
The Origin of the Rumours
The retirement buzz ignited after Ball, born on October 27, 1997, reflected on his career, which has spanned nine NBA seasons, during a podcast episode that aired Tuesday. Discussing the significant injuries that have hampered his progress, he admitted to feeling like he never reached his full potential in the league. "To be honest, I don't think I ever got to my peak. And damn, that shit sucks," Ball remarked, comments that several outlets mistakenly took as a sign of retirement.
Lonzo Ball's Speaks on Retirement
A Career Defined by Injury
Ball's career trajectory took a dramatic turn in January 2022 when he suffered a left knee meniscus tear while playing for the Chicago Bulls. What was initially expected to be a short absence morphed into a multi-year ordeal. He underwent multiple procedures, including a major cartilage and meniscus transplant in March 2023, forcing him to miss the entire 2022-23 and 2023-24 NBA seasons.
He made a much-anticipated return to NBA action with the Bulls in the 2024-25 season, appearing in 35 games and averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Following this, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 2025. His tenure with the Cavaliers during the 2025-26 season saw him average 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 20.8 minutes per game over 35 appearances. LA Clippers NBA Penalty: Club Fined USD 30 Million Over Kawhi Leonard Scandal, Owner Steve Ballmer Suspended.
| Season | Team | Games Played | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Chicago Bulls | 35 | 7.6 | 3.4 | 3.3 |
| 2025-26 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 35 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 3.9 |
In February 2026, Ball was part of a three-team trade that sent him to the Utah Jazz, who subsequently waived him, making him an unrestricted free agent. He recently revealed declining an opportunity to play overseas in Dubai, further emphasizing his focus on an NBA return.Looking Ahead
With the NBA season on the horizon, Lonzo Ball remains steadfast in his goal of securing a spot on an NBA roster. His denial of retirement rumors signals a renewed determination to overcome his injury struggles and prove he still has much to offer to the league.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 06:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).