Lonzo Ball's basketball career is in jeopardy due to lingering knee issues
The Bulls privately believe that Ball may never play again
The team has expressed guarded optimism publicly, but privately doubts his future
Ball underwent a third surgery on his left knee after being ruled out for a season
The procedure performed on his knee is rare and experimentalal
The Bulls are exploring all options before accepting his career may be over
The team hasn't requested a salary exemption, indicating they're not done with him publicly
He had been performing well for the Bulls before his knee issues
Ball's career includes 252 games with averages of 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game