The challenging season of the Chicago Bulls has taken a surprising turn in the absence of their star player, Zach LaVine. In the first month of the season, the Bulls struggled with a 5-14 record and were in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls recently made a comeback with a four-game winning streak, that too against tough opponents like the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans. This noticeable success coincides with LaVine’s absence, who is out due to foot inflammation, raising questions about his impact on the team.
The Bulls look like a completely different team without Zach Lavine. More pace on offense, more hustle on defense. The ball flows better. The passes are crisper. It’s just working right now.
— Ross Pins (@chisportsross) December 9, 2023
LaVine, who will be out for an additional three to four weeks, has allowed the Bulls to use a different strategy. Fans have noted a more pace on offense and a renewed defense without him. The ball movement appears more fluid, and the team’s overall hustle has improved.
The fans who noticed this change in performance stated that LaVine should be traded. One fan wrote, “Lavine has held this team back for years. I can’t wait for the day we trade him.”
The timing of LaVine’s absence is notable, as stated by The Athletic’s Shams Charania. With the trade window opening on Jan. 15, LaVine’s future with the Bulls seems increasingly uncertain.
The situation presents a challenge for Bulls’ lead decision-maker Arturas Karnisovas, who is now seeing a team that is performing better without its two-time All-Star. Deciding to trade LaVine could clarify whether more restructuring is needed for the team, including the futures of players like Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan.
Jay Williams says Zach LaVine is a perfect fit for the Lakers
Amid the ongoing drama in Chicago, Zach LaVine’s potential as a valuable asset for other teams has gained attention. Former Duke star and Chicago Bulls point guard Jay Williams has stated that LaVine is the best addition to the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams, speaking on the Scoop B Radio Podcast, called LaVine a “Swiss Army knife” capable of improving the Lakers’ offensive play.
After winning the first NBA In-Season Tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers are aiming for the title in June. Despite the presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, there’s a belief that the team needs a consistent third star.
Zach LaVine as a Laker makes all the difference in the world says @RealJayWilliams: “You already know that Zach would fit on the Lakers roster! I mean, LeBron knows that AD and AD knows that Zach is the Swiss Army knife that can open up things for them offensively because you can… https://t.co/3hHD2tAcY3 pic.twitter.com/1Afqs59FhN
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) December 10, 2023
LaVine’s versatile playing style, his ability to engage in pick-and-rolls with LeBron and play effectively off the ball makes him an attractive option for the Lakers’ offense. LaVine offers the Lakers what they need, a reliable scorer who can consistently deliver points, especially considering Davis’ injury history and the need to preserve LeBron for the playoffs.