Zach LaVine has been engulfed in trade rumors since the Bulls made an 8-14 start to the season. While the rumors about LaVine gain momentum, the Los Angeles Lakers might immensely benefit from his ability to function comfortably enough without the ball. This skill alone can amp up the two core actions of the Lakers’ offense.
Not only the James-Reaves two-man game can achieve an edge, but the James-Davis pick-and-roll can also record a better outcome once LaVine makes it to the team. However, the player still owes loyalty to the Bulls since the rumors haven’t materialized.
Zach LaVine set the record straight in a media interaction on December 7, 2023. The star guard of the Chicago Bulls seemed very clear about the fact that he was still doing his best to win the franchise. LaVine told the media that it’s no biggie for the facts to get spun around once they leave the room and that he never made an official statement about the same to the media.
Zach LaVine commits to Chicago
“Am I still a part of this team and very committed? Yeah. I’ve got a Bulls jersey on and I’m committed here. For as long as I’ll be here I’ll still support and love Chicago.”
(🎥 @byjuliapoe )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 7, 2023
According to the two-time NBA All-Star, “the stories will be portrayed, and it’s part of the business.” LaVine said, “Am I still part of the team and very committed? Yeah. I got a Bulls jersey on. I am committed here for as long as I’ll be here. I will still love and support Chicago, and go out there and play my heart out for those guys. That’s never gonna change.”
Zach LaVine remains on the sidelines amidst Chicago Bulls’ struggles
Zach LaVine has been out for the last couple of weeks, citing an injury scare, and might extend the ‘MIA’ streak for another month. Following a two-digit win over the Charlotte Hornets, 111-100, the Chicago Bulls announced that LaVine is set to miss another three to four weeks due to right foot inflammation.
Already missing the past three games, “Machine” might require his own sweet time to get back on the hardwood. What’s astonishing is that in the absence of “Zach Attack,” the Bulls are running on a three-game winning streak. This might not be some good news for the player, as the DeRozan trade rumors have already created a tumult in the NBA.
With the new update from Shams Charania of the Athletic, the plan might work for the guard by the time he gets back on the court. Charania mentioned how the timelines of the two major events clash. First are the rumors about Zach LaVine’s trade to the Lakers and how he will be available around mid-January when D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura will become eligible for a trade-off.
Shams mentioned that Zach LaVine is scheduled to return around mid-January, coinciding with the time D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura become eligible for trade 👀
(Via @RunItBackFDTV ) pic.twitter.com/wOYwSNila1
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 7, 2023
Do you think the Lakers will go with LaVine, who seems to be No. 3 on their list of Windy City targets? Or will the yellow and purple tie a deal with DeMar Rozan and Alex Caruso instead?