Bulls guard Lonzo Ball met with the family of Alex Reinhardt before the game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Alex’s donated cartilage saved his NBA career. Ball was out with a sprained right wrist and didn’t play in the game but made sure to honor Alex by bringing his family and expressing his gratitude for their incredible sacrifice.
The Gift That Saved Lonzo Ball’s Career
In March 2023, Lonzo Ball had a meniscus and cartilage transplant in his left knee—a procedure that allowed him to get back to playing professional basketball after being told he might never play again. The cartilage used in the surgery came from Alex Reinhardt, a 20 year old who passed away in February 2023.
For Ball, this was more than life changing—it was career saving. He might never have stepped back on the court without it. “It changed my life” Ball said. Before the game Ball met with Alex’s family for the first time, signing jerseys and taking photos. It was an emotional and personal moment for everyone involved. For all of us it was more than just a meet and greet—it was a celebration of life, generosity and resilience.
Alex’s Family’s Emotional Moment
For Angie Reinhardt, Alex’s mom, the reunion was sweet but emotional. She told ESPN and the Associated Press how cool it was to see someone like Lonzo thriving because of her son’s gift.
“It’s been super emotional,” Angie said. “So much happiness with it too. All the people that are donor recipients of Alex’s [tissue], we’re just blessed. We’ve had mothers of some people reach out and say things. Now we get to meet Lonzo. It’s just a blessing to be able to watch people do well with their knees or anything because of Alex. Of course we wish he was here.”
The Reinhardts were contacted by another recipient of Alex’s tissue who wanted to connect with them. They later found out one of those recipients was none other than Lonzo Ball. That made the meeting even more special because Angie and her family got to see firsthand the impact Alex’s decision to be an organ donor has had on others.
A Celebration of Life and Legacy
Lonzo Ball met the Reinhardt family and it was a reminder of the importance of organ and tissue donation. For Alex’s family it’s seeing him thrive on the court is a testament to their son’s selflessness and legacy. For Ball, it’s an opportunity to honor Alex every time he steps on the court.
“It’s hard not to feel grateful when you think about everything they’ve done,” Ball said. “I wouldn’t be here without him.”
This is the human side of sports—a world where wins aren’t measured in points but in moments.
Why This Story Matters?
These stories go beyond sports. They remind us of the big impact of kindness and sacrifice. While Lonzo Ball is still battling injuries and working towards his comeback, there’s no question that Alex Reinhardt’s gift gave him a second chance – not just as an athlete but as someone who can inspire others through his story.
As the Reinhardt family watches Ball play, they carry with them the knowledge that Alex’s legacy lives on through the people he touched.
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