The Chicago Bulls were an NBA dynasty in their own right back in the day. But now that seems more like a thing of the past, as the franchise deals with issues that seemingly have come at the forefront between the Bulls and their $215 million All-Star,?Zach LaVine. Currently, they are the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 12-18 record this season, and many believe that “it’s time to blow it up”.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic,?there has been a disconnect between?LaVine?and the franchise, and with DeMar DeRozan on the court. Apparently, both of them have locked horns and are not seeing eye to eye in a professional capacity.
NBA star Zach LaVine talks about the Bulls
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Zach LaVine apparently believes that each player in the team looks to the other to “right the ship”. He said this could be a reason for their “level of frustration”. He added that the team consisted of players who have been the number one options on other teams and that a collective mindset was necessary to work as a unit.
Many fans reacted to the latest news online.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
It’s time to blow it up
— Julian (@Julian4948) December 20, 2022
I knew after Lavine reaction here, that this would never work https://t.co/GSdE8jd92J
— Bozzy Iverson (@Bozzyiverson) December 20, 2022
— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) December 20, 2022
I've seen this episode before. Blow it up.
— Buzz (@BuzzOnTap) December 20, 2022
Yep. The End is near… pic.twitter.com/mK7anacPWe
— Back on my bullshit … (@NickGottaChill) December 20, 2022
According to the report, the team had conducted several one-on-one meetings for the two players to move past this phase. “Over the past few weeks, there’s been a palpable feeling across various parts of the franchise of a disconnect over LaVine’s situation in Chicago“, Charania wrote.
Though the supposed duel between LaVine and DeRozan has been on the court, they have reportedly maintained a good relationship off it.
Despite the on-court issues, the Bulls cooked
The?Bulls?played against the Miami Heat (16-16) on Tuesday night at the FTX Arena. The Bulls won the game 113-103. LaVine scored 21 points with 6 rebounds while DeRozan scored 24 points and 5 rebounds.
The Bulls arguably boast a great lineup packed with many talented players. So, it cannot be a lack of skill that is the cause for their struggle.
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The head coach of the team, Billy Donovan reportedly said that “confrontation is healthy” after reports of Bulls players confronting LaVine following their loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves?on Sunday.
https://twitter.com/ChiSportUpdates/status/1605406050676523008?s=20&t=HzDCJRU_ZXUu1zibrz5IqA
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LaVine reportedly said, “Multiple guys talk, multiple guys frustrated. It’s a basketball team. Nothing new to us“. LaVine then stressed that the team is in this together.
What are your thoughts on the current situation surrounding the Chicago Bulls? Let us know in the comments below.