How Many Teams Has Lonzo Ball Played For
Lonzo Ball has played for five NBA teams: the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz. He was drafted by Chicago in 2017 and has since spent seasons with each club, primarily as a reserve point guard and floor initiator. This guide lists every team, season-by-season context, and verified outcomes to clarify his professional journey.
Early NBA Career and Chicago Bulls Tenure
2017–2018: Rookie Season in Chicago
Ball entered the league with the Bulls after a one-and-done year at UCLA. As a rookie, he served as a starter and primary playmaker, averaging 10.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 37.2% from three. His tenure established him as a high-upskill guard capable of running a fast-break system.
Key Bulls Stats and Context
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Chicago Bulls | 79 | 27.9 | 10.9 | 4.2 | .367 | .372 |
New Orleans Pelicans Period
2019–2021: Partnership with Zion Williamson
In the 2019 offseason, Ball was traded to New Orleans as part of a package to acquire Zion Williamson. He played multiple roles, sometimes starting and other times sharing duties alongside rookie point guards. His playmaking and perimeter defense complemented the emerging talent in the backcourt, though injuries and lineup fluctuations affected his consistency.
Pelicans Performance Overview
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | New Orleans Pelicans | 55 | 26.5 | 8.9 | 4.7 | .401 | .329 |
| 2020–21 | New Orleans Pelicans | 57 | 26.1 | 8.5 | 4.5 | .400 | .381 |
New York Knicks Stint
2021–2022: Short-Term Addition in New York
Ball signed with the Knicks in 2021, joining a backcourt that needed a veteran facilitator. He contributed in spot-up shooting and secondary playmaking, particularly in lineups that emphasized pace. The stint was brief, lasting one season, but highlighted his value as a rotational floor general.
Knicks Season Snapshot
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | New York Knicks | 47 | 19.3 | 5.4 | 3.3 | .415 | .398 |
Los Angeles Lakers Era
2023: Late-Season Push and Playoff Experience
In 2023, Ball joined the Lakers midseason, adding depth to a guard rotation. He brought veteran leadership and the ability to initiate offense in pick-and-roll settings. Although the team sought postseason momentum, Ball’s role was situational, focusing on spacing, secondary playmaking, and defensive versatility.
Lakers Role and Stats
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | Los Angeles Lakers | 19 | 16.5 | 3.7 | 3.1 | .348 | .250 |
Utah Jazz and Current Status
2024: Final NBA Stop
Ball finished his most recent season with the Utah Jazz, continuing to serve as a backup point guard and situational shooter. His tenure with Utah underscored his durability and professional approach, completing his journey through five franchises. He remains active in the league, pursuing further opportunities in roles that maximize his playmaking and perimeter defense.
Team Summary Table
| Team | Years | Role | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | 2017–2019 | Starting point guard | Rookie lead playmaker |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 2019–2021 | Primary/Shared ball-handler | Paired with Zion Williamson |
| New York Knicks | 2021–2022 | Rotation facilitator | One-season signing |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 2022–2023 | Bench playmaker | Midseason addition |
| Utah Jazz | 2023–2024 | Backup point guard | Final NBA stop to date |
Comparisons and Context
Compared with peers drafted in the same year, Ball’s path reflects a journeyman trajectory with higher floor involvement than many bench-only guards. His minutes and playmaking duties were substantial across multiple teams, even if he never returned to the starting role he held early in Chicago. This context helps frame his current status as a valued rotational specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Has Lonzo Ball won an NBA championship?
- Which team drafted Lonzo Ball?
- What are Lonzo Ball’s career averages?
- Is Lonzo Ball still in the NBA?
- How many teams has Lonzo Ball played for?
No, Ball has not won an NBA championship as of the 2023–24 season. He has reached the playoffs with multiple teams but has not advanced to an NBA Finals victory.
He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.
Across 314 NBA games, Ball averages approximately 7.7 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game through the 2023–24 season.
Yes, he remains an active NBA player as of the 2024 offseason, pursuing a roster spot or two-way contract.
He has played for five NBA teams: the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz.
Conclusion
Lonzo Ball has played for five NBA teams over his career, progressing from a rookie starter in Chicago to a veteran rotation contributor in New Orleans, New York, Los Angeles, and Utah. Understanding this sequence provides clarity on his role evolution and current standing in the league.