The Chicago Bulls are in the midst of an abysmal season, having only bagged six wins in 20 games so far in the season. Their chaotic start can be attributed to the injuries plaguing their key players. Apart from injuries, they are also embroiled in trade rumors. Their franchise superstar Zach LaVine‘s name has been floating around in the trade market for some time. He has been the primary scorer for the team for seven years. Such was his importance to the team that the Bulls also tried to build a team around him by adding players like DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and Lonzo Ball. Still, their efforts haven’t translated into any tangible success.

However, despite LaVine putting up 21 points per game, an NBA insider shed light on his shortcomings while bashing him for his lackluster performance.

Zach LaVine slammed for his “lifeless” performance

On NBA on ESPN, Zach Lowe and Bobby Marks sat down to discuss the current trade scenario across the league. Inevitably, Zach LaVine and his possible landing destinations came up as part of the overall discussion. Although a few teams, such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic, have been connected to the trade, the Lakers are currently at the forefront of the LaVine sweepstakes. Since the Lakers have no contracts expiring before mid-January, Lowe remarked that such a trade would still be six weeks away.

In light of this timeline, he is concerned about LaVine’s recent lackluster performance. He pulled out an instance from Chicago’s 118-109 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, in which they blew up a 21-point lead. Referring to his performance from that game, Lowe said, “Watch him off the ball; he is just lifeless off the ball. If you want to understand why people are like, ‘Is Zack LaVine listless right now?’ Watch him off the ball.”

He further added, “There was a play on the Nets game the other night, which they lost… Someone went to set a pin down for Zack LaVine in the left corner, and it was a half-hearted pin down. Pin down might be generous. It was kind of like we’re strolling in the same area. Would you like to use me as a barrier? And Zack LaVine just like stood in the left corner like he might as well have just wanted to go to the bathroom somewhere off the court, like just walk off the court.”

Yet, the question remains: was it a half-hearted performance on his behalf, or could there be an alternate explanation for such a “lifeless” play?

Is there an explanation for the lackluster performance?

The 2x NBA All-Star endured a right ankle injury on November 20th in a home game against the Miami Heat. Although he tried to play through the injury, it harmed his performance. Consequently, he was sidelined early during the team’s blowout loss against the Boston Celtics after putting up only 2 points in 25 minutes of playing time. As per recent reports, LaVine is expected to miss a week due to a sore right foot.

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Looking at how he has been struggling with the injury since November 20th, the injury might have limited his movement during the Nets’ game on November 27th. Interestingly, the Celtics’ game, which saw him sidelined early, was played on the 29th. Therefore, there might be a legitimate reason for his subdued efforts. What are your thoughts on Zach Lowe’s comments? Let us know in the comments!

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