This one hurts to write.

Lonzo Ball spent years fighting back from knee injuries that would have ended most careers. Years of rehab. Years of surgery. Years of wondering if he'd ever play basketball again. He finally makes it back to the court, finally gets to compete again, and the Chicago Bulls cut him.

His reaction? "I don't feel like I'm playing as bad as people are saying...I'm the scapegoat right now."

Is he right? Is Lonzo the scapegoat for the Bulls' disappointing season? Or is this just the harsh reality of professional basketball, where injuries derail careers and teams move on?

Here's what I know: Ball was never the same after those knee injuries. How could he be? We're talking about a point guard whose game was built on athleticism, on pushing the pace, on making plays in transition. When your knees betray you, when you lose that explosiveness, you're fighting with one hand tied behind your back.

But the kid fought back. That's what kills me about this. Lonzo could've retired. He could've taken his millions and walked away. Instead, he put in the work. He went through the surgeries. He did the rehab. He earned his way back onto the court.

And for what? To be cut halfway through the season and be told he's the problem?

Look, I'm not saying Lonzo was playing at an All-Star level. He wasn't. But scapegoat? That word stings because there's probably some truth to it. The Bulls are underperforming, someone has to take the fall, and the guy coming off devastating injuries is an easy target.

The NBA is an unforgiving business. We all know that. Teams don't hand out participation trophies. If you can't help them win, they move on. But there's something particularly brutal about watching a player battle back from career-threatening injuries, make it back to the court, and then get cut anyway.

What's next for Lonzo Ball? That's the question. He's 26 years old - still young by NBA standards. But those knee injuries are real. Teams are going to ask: Can he stay healthy? Can he give us 60, 70 games? Or is he one awkward landing away from being done?

Part of me hopes someone gives him a chance. Another part of me wonders if it's time for Lonzo to think about life after basketball. He's made his money. He's had his moment. And most importantly, he's got his health to think about.

But here's what I respect: He's not making excuses. He's not blaming the Bulls. He's saying what he believes - that he's the scapegoat - and moving forward. That's professionalism. That's maturity.

The story of Lonzo Ball is ultimately about resilience, disappointment, and the brutal reality of professional sports. Sometimes you do everything right and it still doesn't work out.

That's what sports is all about, folks - the highs and the lows, the comebacks and the letdowns.