The 2026-27 NBA season is nearing and Lonzo Ball still doesn’t have a team. The vocal basketball star is drawing a lot of confusion recently though with some of his comments.
Ball’s career has certainly fizzled out after being selected second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. However, growing speculation has linked the former college basketball standout with retirement.
“I feel like I gave everything I had to hoop, and I feel like everything I got in my life is because of hoop,” Ball said on his latest “Ball in the Family” podcast. “I’m grateful to even make it to the league and be able to play for 9 years.”
During the 2025-26 season, Lonzo only started in three contests for the Cleveland Cavaliers while averaging a mere 4.6 points and 3.9 assisters per game.
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Is Lonzo Ball retiring?
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball brings the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Ball wants to silence those retirement rumors though after clarifying on X with a viral response.
“I retired? News to me lol cuz I’m still waiting for a call… NBA season long,” Ball wrote on his social media.
The 28-year-old guard spent last season with the Cavaliers. However, he’s bounced around the league since being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers eight seasons ago.
Big Baller Brand founder LaVar Ball‘s created quite the family persona for his three sons, Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo. However, only LaMelo is currently playing in the NBA after being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2026.
Lonzo Ball indicates he’s done with basketball:
“I feel like I gave everything I had to hoop, and I feel like everything I got in my life is because of hoop. I’m grateful to even make it to the league and be able to play for 9 years.”pic.twitter.com/z561ttSNSJ
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) September 23, 2026
LaMelo is another former top-5 NBA Draft selection after the Charlotte Hornets took him third overall in the 2020 draft class.
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It’s still possible that Ball ends up with another NBA team in 2026, but it doesn’t seem like franchises are lining up to bring him in.
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