Lonzo Ball’s future in the NBA hangs in the balance as speculation grows about a potential move to the NBL, following his older brother LaMelo’s successful stint in Australia. Seven years after LaMelo made headlines by becoming the youngest player to achieve a triple-double in the NBL, Lonzo now finds himself as a free agent with his NBA prospects appearing uncertain.
At 28 years old, Lonzo’s basketball career has faced significant hurdles. After being traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers at the beginning of the 2025-26 season, he could only participate in 35 games before being shipped to the Utah Jazz, where he was subsequently waived. Despite interest from playoff contenders, including the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets, concerns about his knee health have hampered any potential deals. League insiders suggest that there is growing apprehension regarding whether the former second-overall pick will ever return to the court.
While Lonzo remains unsigned, he is expected to focus on enhancing his skills and health as he awaits his next opportunity. If he cannot secure a deal with an NBA team by the end of the season, playing overseas, particularly in the NBL, could become a viable option. The NBL could provide an excellent platform for Lonzo to regain his form, as teams compete in significantly fewer games compared to the NBA schedule.
LaMelo, who previously turned heads in the NBL as an NBL Next Star at just 18, serves as a great example of the benefits of playing down under. Lonzo might not be driven by financial incentives, having already earned over USD $120 million in his career, but the chance to play consistently could be an appealing motive.
With Illawarra and Perth both reportedly in search of point guards, the dream of seeing Lonzo compete again in Australia could soon materialize. While injuries have unfortunately plagued his career, a fresh start with a reduced game load in the NBL might pave the way for a rejuvenated Lonzo Ball, offering fans the opportunity to witness the talent that made him a standout prospect in the NBA Draft.
As the story unfolds, there is hope that Lonzo can overcome his challenges and reclaim his position as a key player in professional basketball, whether in the NBA or the NBL.