Lonzo Ball’s return to the NBA after a grueling 1,006-day absence had Bulls fans on their feet, but it also sparked a social media storm demanding an apology from none other than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. A year ago, Smith stirred controversy when he publicly questioned Ball’s recovery, claiming he’d “heard it’s even hard for [Ball] to get up from a sitting position.” The comment didn’t sit well with Ball, who fired back, and tensions simmered between the sportscaster and the injured player.
Fast forward to the Bulls’ preseason game against the Timberwolves, where Ball proved doubters wrong, dropping 10 points, adding a rebound, and dishing out an assist—all within just 15 minutes. For fans, this was more than a solid performance; it was a comeback statement, making Smith’s previous comments look especially harsh in hindsight. Fans quickly took to social media, one bluntly writing, “I’m gonna need Stephen A. Smith to send out the biggest apology to Lonzo Ball asap… immediately.”
Ball’s return was a triumph over adversity, and with NBA fans eager to see him reclaim his form, the spotlight is once again on Smith. With the season approaching, it remains to be seen if the outspoken analyst will acknowledge Ball’s resilience in his trademark style—or face even more heat from fans rallying behind the Bulls guard.
