Zach LaVine is finally back on the floor and he could not be more happy. Talking to reporters after the game, LaVine shared an emotional moment. Having been out with a sore right foot since November 28th, the Bulls forward-guard took the court against the Hornets tonight.
Being out for 38 days is a long time for a basketball player. So while he admitted that it will take a while for him to get his “wind back,” that did not stop him from giving his best. “Imma sleep so well tonight, y’all don’t understand,” he said happily.
Zach LaVine on his physical conditioning tonight after missing the last 17 games: “Imma sleep so well tonight, y’all don’t understand.”
Acknowledges that it’ll take a few games to get his wind back. pic.twitter.com/uSmL1C3UIC
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) January 6, 2024
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LaVine, having just gotten back from injury, was on a minutes-restriction of 25-30 minutes. He finished the night with 15 points, four assists, and five rebounds in 30 minutes of game time. Although he wasn’t near his usual game, as can be expected from a player returning from injury, there were moments where his brilliance shone through, be it his strong finish in the first half or the third-quarter stint with a quick and timely ball reversal to Colby White.
Over the years, the Washington native has honed his ability to change speed. And not in a way that opposing teams can predict. With the skill set that the offensive-minded player brings to the table, there is no doubt that Zach LaVine will be back to his usual self in no time. But whether he will be still in the Bulls is very much a debatable topic.
The Zach LaVine trade talks continue on a quiet note
LaVine’s trade rumors have been traveling in basketball circles for quite some time now. While there have been a few teams that have hinted at their interest in the 2x All-Star, the Los Angeles Lakers still stand at the top. A glaring issue (among others) is their offensive struggles.
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The Purple & Gold has an offensive rating of 112.4, occupying the 24th position in the league. Not to mention their net rating stands at -1.2 (rank 20) and another dismal 35 in three-point percentage (24th position). Zach LaVine alone is averaging 33.1 3P% this season.
Austin Reaves emphasized the importance of shooting from beyond the arc after their Heat loss. “If you just look at the statsheet, we got to shoot the ball better … We had a conversation after we won the In-Season Tournament, I think we only made two 3s that game or two 3s the game against New Orleans … But that’s just not the recipe to (win) in basketball today,” he states.
But Zach’s max contract, which has two more guaranteed years and a player option for nearly $49 million in 2026-27, is what’s stopping franchises from making a bold move. His injury history is also a concerning factor for LA, who has had their fair share of injuries this season.
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Until a consensus is reached, LaVine will continue with the Bulls.
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