SUMMARY
- Chicago Bulls star guard Zach LaVine will miss at least one more week due to a right ankle injury.
- LaVine's injury comes at a critical time for the Bulls, who have engaged in trade talks, particularly with the Detroit Pistons.
Chicago Bulls star guard Zach LaVine is set to miss at least one more week due to a right ankle injury, as confirmed by head coach Billy Donovan. The team’s medical staff will reevaluate LaVine’s condition after this time.
This was reported after LaVine’s absence in the Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The guard has now missed three back-to-back games after injuring his right ankle on Jan. 18 against the Toronto Raptors.
This season has been challenging for LaVine, who had recently returned from a 17-game absence caused by a right foot injury. When ESPN’s Dave McMenamin asked Coach Donovan if LaVine would play again before the NBA’s Feb. 8 trade deadline, Donovan responded, “I just don’t know.” Earlier this week, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that LaVine’s foot injury was “worse than just a grade one” sprain.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan is asked by @SamSmithHoops if Zach LaVine – out with a foot and ankle injury – will play again before the Feb. 8 trade deadline and replies, “I just don’t know.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 26, 2024
LaVine’s injury happened at a time when the Bulls were still in trade negotiations. According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, the Bulls have engaged in talks with the Detroit Pistons about a potential trade involving LaVine.
The Bulls are reportedly seeking a big return for their two-time All-Star, including players like Bojan Bogdanovic and one among Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, or Jalen Duren. However, the Pistons have shown hesitation to give up their young talents unless the Bulls lower their asking price.
LaVine’s current contract has three years remaining after this season, with an annual average value of $43 million and a player option of nearly $49 million in 2026-27. This adds complications to potential trade discussions.
The Chicago Bulls have a record of 11-10 without Zach LaVine
Even though LaVine is one of the key players for the Bulls, the team has played surprisingly well without him. In the current season, LaVine has missed 21 games due to injury. Despite this, the Bulls led by DeMar DeRozan and Co. have secured 11 wins. However, in the 25 games that LaVine has played, the Bulls have lost 15.
LaVine’s struggles this season have been noticeable. Before his injury, he averaged about 22.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. However, his numbers dropped after his January return, averaging just 15.6 points in 33.7 minutes per game.
The Bulls’ next game is against the Portland Trail Blazers and they have a chance to improve their record. The Trail Blazers, under coach Chauncey Billups, are dealing with injuries to key players. A win could improve the Bulls’ record to 22-25, which is crucial as they try to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference standings.