Is Lonzo Ball Officially Retiring From the NBA at Just 28 Years Old?!

Lonzo Ball Sets the Record Straight

Lonzo Ball has made it clear that he has not retired from the NBA. The confusion started after comments he made on a recent episode of the “Ball in the Family” podcast. On that show, he looked back on his career and the many injuries that have affected him. But Ball wants everyone to know that he is not done playing. He posted on X to clear things up. He wrote that he retired? News to me, because he is still waiting for a call. He added that the NBA season is long.

His Career So Far

Lonzo Ball was picked second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft. He is a 6-foot-5 guard. He last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. In February 2026, he was traded to the Utah Jazz. The Jazz waived him not long after. Last season, he averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals in 20.8 minutes per game. Those are not huge numbers, but they show he can still contribute in multiple areas.

Injury Struggles Have Held Him Back

Ball believes he never reached his full potential because of injuries. One injury kept him out for two full seasons. In seven seasons, he has played in only 322 games. That is a small number for a player taken so high in the draft. Ball said he does not think he ever got to his peak. He admitted that it is tough to think about. But he also said he looks at the world in a different way. He pointed out that many people do not have meals at night. He feels lucky that he got to play in the NBA, put on a jersey, and do what he dreamed of as a kid. That was enough to make him happy.

Read More: Tyrese Haliburton Gets Real About the Respect He Receives Around the NBA

What He Can Still Offer a Team

Ball is no longer able to be a starter. His body has been through too much. But based on what he did last season, he can still be a backup point guard. He can run an offense and make good decisions. He can also defend on both ends of the court. A team looking for depth at the guard position might see value in him. He has experience, he knows the game, and he has shown he can help when healthy.

The Waiting Game Continues

For now, Ball is waiting. He has not received a call from an NBA team yet. But he is not giving up. He made it clear that he still wants to play. He is only 28 years old, which is not old for a point guard. If he can stay healthy, he could still have a few good years left. The question is whether a team will take a chance on him. Given his injury history, that is not a sure thing. But Ball is ready if the opportunity comes.

Final Thoughts

Lonzo Ball has had a tough career. Injuries have stopped him from becoming the player many thought he could be. But he has not lost his love for the game. He is still waiting for a call. He still believes he can help a team. Whether that call comes or not, Ball has already shown resilience. He has fought back from injuries that would have ended other careers. Now he just needs one team to believe in him.