Bulls starting shooting guard Zach LaVine has had quite a few bumps in the road this season. It started early with the outbreak of COVID within the team’s locker room. After getting back from that he started having some issues with his knee. He was never out for any long periods but it did keep him from games. So far this season he’s played in 50 of the team’s 62 games. His longest stretch of missed games was when he was in the league’s health & safety protocols. However, the concern remains with LaVine. He got his knee checked out before the All-Star break and the news was good. But here we are almost two weeks removed from the break and unsure about LaVine’s health.
#Bulls have discussed managing Zach LaVine's workload after his left knee soreness, but there's no formal plan or anything.
Billy Donovan indicated it will be a case of playing it by ear regarding how he feels after each game and then using caution when needed.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) February 24, 2022
By all accounts, LaVine’s knee is alright for the most part. However, the possibility of a flare-up or soreness will be here the rest of the season. LaVine isn’t going to be 100% for the Bulls the rest of the season and that’s something everyone needs to come to terms with. LaVine touched on his knee and his plans for the rest of the season.
Even if he’s less than 100% he will be out there
If there’s one thing Bull’s fans know about LaVine it’s that he won’t quit on this team. LaVine simply wants to win. He will do whatever it takes to win and win in Chicago. Since there’s nothing that can be done right now LaVine has no choice but to play on. LaVine made that point clear when speaking to the media on Wednesday.
“I’m not going to be 100 percent the same way. Now can I still go out here and contribute? I can still do that, but it’s just something I’ve got to fight through until the end of the season.”
That sounds like LaVine will likely need some sort of offseason knee surgery to get back to 100%. As long as he can get out there and play and contribute at a high level then offseason surgery shouldn’t be a major concern. LaVine wholeheartedly believes he can contribute to this team and outperform most players in the league.
“I might not be 100% but me at 80%, 70% whatever it is I’m still one of the best players in the NBA, damn sure one of the best players on the court when we play.”
To LaVine’s credit, he is having a great season so far and has still looked good since the soreness began. The good news overall is if LaVine can be on the court he will be. Even LaVine at 80% is still a great asset to the team. LaVine knows what’s at stake this season and he knows that at this stage he’s putting the team ahead of himself.
LaVine won’t be shutting things down
In a lot of scenarios, you will see star players shut things down for the season if they are having lingering issues. We’ve seen it over and over again but Zach LaVine doesn’t have any plans to do that. He wants the Bulls to win and he wants to be part of that. His focus is on the team and whatever is wrong with him he will sort it out after the season is done.
“I’m not going to be a person that shuts it down. We’re having a great year. I’m having a good year, so I’m going to go out there and help my team any way I can.”
LaVine knows how special this season could be and isn’t going to let anything keep him away from that. Even if that means putting the Bulls over his health. LaVine knows how much basketball means to the city of Chicago and personally feels the responsibility of bringing a title to Chicago.
“I have a big responsibility here with the team, my teammates, my coaches, the city of Chicago. I take a lot of pride in that. It means something to me. And I hope people understand that I’m going out here and definitely not putting myself first here in this situation.”
Zach really is putting himself second to the Bulls. It just shows how much of a team player LaVine is. He’s a great leader for the Bulls and if he doesn’t fear any further damage then let’s ride. It’s even more impressive when you factor in LaVine’s contract extension coming up next year.
LaVine isn’t worried about the next contract, right now
Most players who are eligible for a super-max contract extension wouldn’t be playing through knee soreness. In fact, most would be shutting things down to preserve the contract that may be on the way. LaVine is just built differently. He’s not worried about the contract right now because he isn’t a free agent right now. The season is still happening and the focus is on winning.
“I don’t get my contract right now. I’m not a free agent until the end of the season. So until then, I’m focused on the season. It’s pretty black and white to me.”
It’s rare to find someone with that mindset. Most are focused on getting their money. LaVine just wants to win and the Bulls are in the best position they have been since he joined the team. There will be a lot to unpack once the season does come to a close but for now, LaVine is going to be on the court whenever he can be. Once the remaining team returns from injury that should take some of the load off LaVine. For now, LaVine will have to do what he can and keep the Bulls atop the Eastern Conference. As fans, we can hope that LaVine makes it through the rest of the season with no further issues and the Bulls perform at a high level in the playoffs.
