Lonzo Ball looked like his old self in return after 33 months

In his first game since Jan. 14, 2022, Lonzo Ball looked like he hadn't lost a step.

The Bulls guard pushed the pace and threw some of the outlet passes that made him a sensation at UCLA. He also knocked down four of his six shots, including two threes, while moving around the court without any discomfort.

Ball's movement was a huge positive as there were concerns about his mobility after he underwent three procedures on his left knee in the past two-and-a-half years.

After the game, an emotional Ball said all those trying times were behind him, and he was ready to do what he loves — hoop.

"Felt a lot better playing than watching," Ball said, via ESPN . "I couldn't even put it into words how it felt being out there. It was definitely a moment I'll never forget... Looking back on it [recovery process], it went a lot faster than I thought. Them telling me 18 more months recovery [after the third surgery], it sounds crazy in the moment, but now I'm here. It's all behind me now."

Ball's teammates and fans basked in his emotional night. When he checked into the game, over 17,000 fans at United Center were on their feet to give him a rousing ovation.

After the game, the Bulls locker room recognized the weight of the moment by giving Ball the game ball.

Star guards Coby White and Zach LaVine also gave speeches explaining how Ball inspired them with his recovery.

The Bulls will be an interesting team to follow this upcoming season. It's easy to forget that they had the best record in the Eastern Conference (27-13) at the time of Ball's meniscus tear in Jan. 2022.

At the time, Billy Donovan's team had unearthed an identity around Ball's ability to push the pace and make his teammates better. There is no reason why they can't regain the same mojo riding on Ball's floor generalship.

The Bulls begin their 2024-25 campaign against the Pelicans next Wednesday, Oct. 23.