Lonzo Ball's Career Revived by Donor Knee

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball met with the family of Alex Reinhardt, the young man whose posthumous donation of knee cartilage and meniscus enabled Ball's return to professional basketball after missing two seasons due to injury. Alex Reinhardt, an athlete himself, passed away in February 2023, and his family traveled to Chicago to meet Ball before the Bulls' game against the Miami Heat. The meeting was emotional for both parties, with Ball expressing gratitude for the gift that revived his NBA career, allowing him to sign a two-year, $20 million extension with the Bulls. Angie Reinhardt, Alex's mother, described the moment as both bittersweet and a blessing, highlighting the positive impact of her son's legacy on others. This innovative transplant procedure has allowed Ball to play 35 games this season, though he is currently sidelined due to a wrist injury. The meeting underscored the profound impact of organ donation and the connections it creates.