Alex Caruso is excited for Lonzo Ball's return to basketball

NBA fans were met with overwhelmingly positive news recently when it was announced that Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball will make his return in the 2024-25 season.

The former lottery pick has been on an extended hiatus due to a complicated knee injury. He last appeared on the court in January 2022.

After facing multiple setbacks, the guard wondered if a return to the hardwood was even possible.

But in late September, Ball's return to action on the opening night of the new season was confirmed, and it sent a wave of positivity across the league.

Caruso thrilled fo Zo

The Lonzo news has put a smile across players' faces, like No. 2's former teammate Alex Caruso, who was traded in the June blockbuster for Josh Giddey. Sharing the court with 'Zo, "Carushow" knows the winning impact he can deliver.

"So happy for him," said Alex of his ex-teammate. "I saw that. It makes me smile. I'm just happy he gets back to doing what he loves. I know in the heart of hearts [that] he's a hooper. He wants nothing more than to just play basketball. Really happy for him. Excited to see he's going to be back playing. Hopefully, he just takes it easy when he plays the Thunder."

The Bulls deteriorated without Ball

Caruso was not the only one excited about Ball's return. Everyone, from former and current players to analysts and fans, was rooting for Lonzo's health.

During Ball's absence from the game, the Bulls steadily regressed in the win-loss column and couldn't quite recapture the success they had to start the 2021 NBA season when Ball was leading their backcourt.

Chicago was the top seed in the Eastern Conference when the pass-first playmaker went down with an injury. In a season that virtually guaranteed a postseason appearance and a deep run through the East bracket, the Red and White finished with a lackluster 46 wins.

They were gentlemen swept in the first round versus the then-defending champion Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bulls have now changed directions. Recently, star forward DeMar DeRozan departed the franchise, and the situation with star guard Zach LaVine has deteriorated.

The good news is that Ball is set to return to the lineup, giving fans some optimism for the future.

Related: OKC star Caruso inducted in Texas A&M Hall of Fame