The Latest Breaking News from Lonzo Ball

The dismal showing in the loss to Denver earned the roster a practice day on Monday. But effort hasn’t been the issue with this group through the first 14 games of the season. Availability has, and that falls on a front office and the leap of faith they took on…

MIAMI — There is no defense played in the NBA draft lottery. And yet with the generational talent of Victor Wembanyama available in the May 16 drawing, the outcome of the random-but-weighted process for non-playoff teams could impact the Miami Heat’s playoff or championship outlooks for years to come.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said on Friday that he is optimistic of guard Lonzo Ball's recovery from his left knee injury.

Bulls coach Billy Donovan said Ball has started doing some work on the treadmill in the water and is moving forward after surgery on his left knee in September, but that doesn’t mean there’s a clearer picture of when — or if — he’ll return this season.

There are still intangibles that Ball brought to the starting group last season that can’t be replaced, but Dosunmu has been doing a solid imitation so far. That continued the last two games, especially the lockdown of Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving on Tuesday night.

The second-year guard is making his mark as a starter for the Bulls.

Lonzo has been in the weight room and will reportedly begin on-court shooting soon.

Ball continues to rehab his knee injury following a second surgery.

Through the first seven games, the 3-4 Bulls have some numbers that are a concern. At the same time, there is a small sample size of sustainable trends that can not only be built on but embraced.

Dosunmu and Drummond finished the game Friday in San Antonio, but there was some collateral damage to come out of the hard-fought loss. The good news was both were only expected to be sidelined a few days.

Ball underwent a second surgery on his left knee on Sept. 28.