Lonzo Ball fires back at retirement rumors

Free-agent guard Lonzo Ball refuted social media reports claiming he had decided to retire from the NBA. Speculation emerged after Ball reflected on his nine-year career and injury battles during an episode of the Ball In The Family podcast. In response to the claims, Ball posted on X that the retirement reports were news to him and stated that he is still waiting for a call to join a team.

Ball was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 before playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Multiple knee surgeries limited Ball to just 70 games over four seasons with Chicago, and he last appeared in 35 games for Cleveland after being acquired in June 2025.