Bulls’ Zach LaVine To Play vs. Hornets After Missing 17 Games
Zach LaVine, a shooting guard with the Chicago Bulls, will return to action tonight against the Charlotte Hornets after sitting out the previous 17 games due to a right foot ailment.
LaVine is going to leave the bench.
Zach LaVine will play Friday, per LaVine.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 5, 2024
LaVine also on a minutes restriction and will come off bench. 25-30
Minutes. https://t.co/P36xslH2Dq— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 5, 2024
LaVine: “We had a great rhythm in December. It’s what we were trying to do in training camp. I just want to contribute.”
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 5, 2024
Without LaVine, the Bulls finished the season 10-7. LaVine is averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 44.3% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc, and 86.6% from the free-throw line this season.
LaVine, a two-time All-Star, has a plus-minus of -98 and Chicago is 5-13 when he is starting.
LaVine and the Bulls appear to still be interested in splitting ways. However, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN claims that the LaVine trade market is “barren” for Chicago.
In July 2022, LaVine committed to a big five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls. LaVine is earning forty million dollars this year. Several teams are debating whether to trade for the UCLA product due to his massive salary and poor play this season.
Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reports that the New York Knicks have no intention of trading for LaVine. NBA expert Marc Stein claims that the Philadelphia 76ers are in a similar situation.
According to sources who spoke with NBA Analysis Network, LaVine, who represents both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, is somewhat interested in joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Nevertheless, according to the same sources, the Lakers will not deal Austin Reaves for LaVine.
With the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls, LaVine has averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists throughout his career. He has won the Slam Dunk Contest twice.
