Chicago Bulls player Lonzo Ball will not return for the rest of the season, the team announced on Wednesday.

Ball, who has not played since January 14, underwent surgery on his left knee on January 28 to repair a small meniscus tear. The team said they were still experiencing pain “during high-level physical activity”.

He was left on the sidelines longer than expected as his knee did not respond well to recovery.

The Bulls said on Wednesday that Ball, who is 24 years old, will continue his daily treatment and rehabilitation in view of the 2022-23 season.

Despite Tuesday’s defeat by the Milwaukee Bucks, the Bulls took their first place in the playoffs since 2017 after the defeat of the Cleveland Cavaliers by the Orlando Magic. It’s sixth in the Eastern Conference, a game behind the Toronto Raptors.

In his first season in Chicago, Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists. He only appeared in 35 games, which would be the fewest games in his five-year career.