Lonzo Ball: Draft Pick | Team Now | Jumpshot | Injury History | Spotrac

Introduction: The Rise and Challenges of Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball entered the NBA with massive expectations — a skillful playmaker with size, court vision, and leadership potential. Drafted second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, his transition from college stardom to pro ranks was closely watched and widely debated.

Yet what followed was a career that has faced remarkable highs and difficult lows — from trades and contracts to recurring injuries and fluctuating performance. This comprehensive article outlines the most important chapters in the life and career of Lonzo Ball, including his draft beginnings, team situations, unique jump shot, injury setbacks, and detailed contract info from Spotrac.

Draft Pick & Early Expectations

In the 2017 NBA Draft, Lonzo Ball — coming off a stellar season at UCLA — was selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing his potential as a future franchise star.

Lakers scouts were drawn to his elite playmaking, size as a point guard (6’6″), defensive instincts, and ability to make teammates better. At UCLA, he had averaged 14.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.0 rebounds in his lone college season, fueling belief that he could be a generational passer at the next level.

Expectations were high, especially with the Lakers rebuilding around young stars. But even in his rookie year, inconsistencies in his scoring ability — particularly shooting struggles — suggested that his offensive game needed refinement to match his lofty draft status.

Team Journey: Lakers, Pelicans, Bulls, Cavaliers, Jazz

Los Angeles Lakers (2017–2019)

As a Laker, Ball showed flashes of his unique skills: defense, transition play, court vision, and leadership. However, efficiency issues — especially from three — raised early concerns. His unconventional shot mechanics translated poorly at the NBA level before gradual adjustments were made.

New Orleans Pelicans (2019–2021)

In a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Los Angeles, Ball became part of the Pelicans and entered a new phase of his career. His shooting improved relative to his Lakers years, and he showed scoring bursts that combined with his innate playmaking skills.

Chicago Bulls (2021–2025)

In August 2021, Lonzo joined the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal and later agreed to a multi-year extension reportedly worth about $20 million over two years.

His time in Chicago was overshadowed by significant knee injuries that kept him out for the full 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons. He returned in 2024–25, but continued to struggle for consistency and health.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2025–2026)

In June 2025, Lonzo was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro. With the Cavs, he battled to regain his playmaking rhythm behind veterans like Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, yet struggled with efficiency.

Utah Jazz & Free Agency (2026)

As of early 2026, Ball was traded to the Utah Jazz but quickly waived, making him an unrestricted free agent. This presents a critical turning point in his career.

Jumpshot: From Unique Mechanics to NBA Adjustment

One of the most talked-about aspects of Lonzo’s game was his unorthodox jump shot. Early in his college and rookie stages, his release was marked by body positioning and movement that made it hard for defenders to predict but also inconsistent in efficiency.

Speech around his progress:

• Early years: At UCLA, Lonzo shot threes at 41%, showing deep shooting potential.

• NBA adaptation: In his first couple of Lakers seasons, his three-point numbers dipped into the low 30s, reflecting struggles translating his college form to the pro level.

• Mechanical tweaks: Over time, Lonzo adjusted his mechanics toward a more conventional form to improve release timing and balance — with mixed success.

Defensive pressure, ankle and knee injuries, and team offensive systems all affected his shot rhythm, making consistency a constant talking point among analysts and fans.

Injury History: The Defining Challenge

Lonzo Ball’s career has been significantly impacted by injuries, especially to his left knee. Detailed reports show a history of time-lost due to:

• Knee injuries and surgeries — including meniscus surgery, arthroscopic cleaning, cartilage transplants, and extended recovery periods.

• Missing two entire NBA seasons (2022–23 & 2023–24).

• Additional wrist issues and sprains during comeback attempts.

Lonzo’s injury saga — especially knee damage that required multiple surgeries — clearly changed his trajectory, limiting his minutes and availability. Many basketball evaluators believe that without these setbacks, he might have developed into a more consistent offensive contributor.

Spotrac Contract Insights: Earnings & Status

According to Spotrac, Lonzo Ball’s contract and financial profile reflect his veteran value and the market’s view of him as a high-floor role player with risk given his injury history:

• Current contract: Lonzo has a two-year deal estimated at around $10 million per year, with a club option as of the 2026–27 season.

• Career earnings: His earnings peaked at over $21 million in the 2024–25 season due to prior contracts and player options.

This financial situation makes him a more affordable veteran asset for teams seeking floor general playmaking and defense without sacrificing substantial salary cap space.

Legacy: Where Lonzo Ball Stands Today

Lonzo Ball’s legacy is complex. Once a projected perennial All-Star and foundational NBA building block, he now stands at a crossroads in 2026 as a free agent with a history of elite passing juxtaposed against significant injury struggles and offensive inconsistency.

His contributions to every team, leadership, and resilience through repeated medical setbacks have secured him respect across NBA circles, though debates about draft value and career impact remain active among analysts and fans.

FAQs: Lonzo Ball

1. What draft pick was Lonzo Ball?

Lonzo Ball was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers.

2. Which teams has Lonzo Ball played for in the NBA?

He has played for the Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers, and was briefly with the Utah Jazz before being waived in 2026.

3. What is unique about Lonzo Ball’s jump shot?

Lonzo’s shot mechanics were unconventional early in his career, featuring lateral movements and a release that differed from typical shooters. Over time, he adjusted to a more traditional form to improve consistency.

4. Why has Lonzo Ball missed significant NBA time?

He has missed extensive time due to knee injuries, including meniscus and cartilage problems requiring multiple surgeries, which sidelined him for over two seasons.

5. What does Spotrac list about Lonzo Ball’s contract?

Spotrac shows Lonzo on a two-year contract with approximately $10M per year, with a club option in 2026–27, and notable earnings including a $21M+ salary in 2024–25 years.

Conclusion

Lonzo Ball’s career remains one of the most intriguing NBA narratives of the past decade — a player who blended elite playmaking and defensive tools with shooting challenges and unfortunate injuries. As a free agent in 2026, his next chapter will depend on teams willing to invest in his vision, leadership, and potential for resurgence.