DeMar DeRozan recently opened up about how Lonzo Ball’s injury had a decisive impact on the Chicago Bulls’ chances during the 2021-22 NBA season. Speaking on the Run Your Race podcast, DeRozan reflected on Ball’s influence in the team’s dynamic, underlining how the UCLA product’s absence weakened their playoff aspirations and shifted their trajectory.
Ball, although often underestimated by critics who doubted his potential as a franchise cornerstone, was vital in making his teammates’ performances easier on the court. DeRozan praised Ball’s ability to simplify both offense and defense, crediting him as a key piece that made the entire Bulls lineup function more effectively.
“Lonzo getting hurt killed us. He was that big piece of the puzzle that put everything together for all of us. He made everything so easy offensively, defensively. He was shooting the 3 at 40%, defensively, obviously his passing,”
DeRozan said, highlighting Ball’s multifaceted contributions.—DeMar DeRozan, NBA All-Star
The Bulls started the 2021-22 season strongly, posting a 27-13 record in their first 40 games. However, after Ball injured his knee, the team‘s form faltered considerably, as they went 19-23 in the remaining matches. This slump caused Chicago to slip to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, resulting in a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks. This injury ultimately prevented DeRozan and Ball from spending adequate time on the floor together, especially as DeRozan was later traded to the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade deal involving the San Antonio Spurs, before Ball’s full recovery.
Chicago Bulls’ Struggle to Regain Playoff Caliber Since Ball’s Injury
Following the 2021-22 season setback, the Bulls have yet to reclaim a stable position in the playoff picture. Longtime Bulls journalist KC Johnson noted that the organization aims to build a roster emphasizing speed and athleticism, inspired in part by the success of teams like the Indiana Pacers, who reached the Eastern Conference Finals in back-to-back years. Despite these efforts, Chicago has struggled to find consistent success since Ball’s injury interrupted their momentum.
DeRozan Reflects on LeBron James’ Peak Playing Period
In addition to discussing Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan recently shared his thoughts on LeBron James’ greatest era. Although acknowledging that LeBron’s prime years have passed, DeRozan singled out the “Miami Heat” phase as the peak of James’ career. He pointed to James’ phenomenal efficiency and dominance during those seasons as the standard for sustained excellence.
“2012, bro, we always say first Cleveland, Miami, second Cleveland. I always tell people, ‘Miami Bron,’ Oh My God!…He was shooting like 55 percent from the field. He running past your favorite, your fastest point guard, dunking, jumping over people,”
DeRozan recalled.—DeMar DeRozan, NBA All-Star
LeBron joined the Miami Heat after multiple years without a championship and swiftly transformed the franchise, securing a title in his second season and earning both MVP and Finals MVP honors. This period marked a near-unstoppable phase for the four-time NBA MVP, showcasing his impact on and off the court.
DeRozan Supports LeBron James’ Endurance into His 22nd NBA Season
Despite being 40 years old and competing in his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James remained highly effective during the 2024-25 campaign. His leadership helped the Los Angeles Lakers finish with a commendable 50-32 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference. Even so, James faced ongoing criticism from naysayers who questioned his ability to perform at such an advanced age for a professional athlete.
DeRozan defended the basketball icon on a recent podcast, emphasizing James’ unparalleled longevity and dominance. He noted how rare it is for an athlete to excel at an elite level for over two decades, and praised the standards LeBron has set for players in their forties.
I remember telling a group of people, I said, ‘Most these motherf—–s wouldn’t stand a chance versus 2016 Bron. People forget the man been doing this 22 years, man. Like something we never seen in no sport, to be able to dominate as long as he has. The standard that he’s been held to at a 40-year-old man is insane. A 40-year-old man, you feel me? He got to carry everything.
—DeMar DeRozan, NBA All-Star
Though often subject to scrutiny, James continues to prove his value consistently. DeRozan’s remarks highlight the respect earned by James for maintaining such a high level of play even as his career endures well beyond typical athletic primes.
Rivalry Moments and Continued Respect Between DeRozan and LeBron
During DeRozan’s time with the Toronto Raptors, he and LeBron James frequently faced off in intense playoff battles, with James often emerging victorious. Despite these competitive clashes, DeRozan has maintained admiration for James’ sustained excellence and influence on the game. While LeBron might no longer dominate every minute as he once did, he still displays flashes of his former brilliance when it matters most.
The Lasting Effects of Ball’s Injury on Bulls’ Playoff Fortunes
Lonzo Ball’s injury was a turning point that reshaped the Chicago Bulls’ recent NBA history, with DeRozan’s reflections emphasizing its significance. Ball’s multifaceted skill set—shooting, defense, and passing—was integral to Chicago’s early 2021-22 success, and losing him derailed their momentum. As the Bulls continue to rebuild, the 2021-22 season remains a reminder of how a single injury can alter a team’s destiny.