Despite being one of the hottest names on the trade market this year, Bulls star Zach LaVine has officially tapped out this season after deciding to undergo season-ending surgery. The timetable, according to the team, is 4-6 months but there’s no doubt that he will not be playing again this season and that he’s likely played his final game in a Bulls jersey for his entire career.
After seeking additional medical opinions, in consultation with the Chicago Bulls training and medical staff, guard Zach LaVine and Klutch Sports Group have elected surgery on LaVine’s right foot as the next step in his recovery process,” wrote the team in a public statement. “Surgery is anticipated the week of February 5.”
LaVine has been out since January 18th with an ankle injury and he has missed the last six games for the Bulls after missing 17 earlier in the season. When he was healthy, LaVine was solid for the Bulls, even at his lowest-scoring output since 2018. When he joined the team seven years ago, expectations were still high for his potential and he was hope that he was the missing piece for their team. But after nearly a decade of underwhelming play, things reached a breaking point this season when Zach began to make cryptic and suggestive statements about his apparent unhappiness. The only problem for Zach is that no team is willing to take on his $170 million contract, and it’s the only reason why he’s still with the Bulls despite months of endless trade rumors.
Is Zach LaVine A Future Los Angeles Laker?
Over the past few months, it’s been no secret that the Bulls and LaVine have been trying desperately to part ways and there have been no serious suitors besides the Detroit Pistons. Besides his expensive contract, LaVine’s value is at an all-time low due to poor defense, questionable efficiency from the field, and a history that is riddled with disappointing campaigns. Even so, with career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game on 45.2% shooting, he’s the type of player who can take a team to the next level offensively.
The question is, will the Lakers be that team? As one of the frontrunners for LaVine, Los Angeles has both the means and assets to make a trade and we know they have something in the works to help turn their situation around. This season, Zach is obviously not the answer considering he’ll be out for the next 4-6 months but he could be a target for them this summer or next season. Whether or not LeBron James stays or leaves, the Lakers need more fire-power if they are to compete with the top contenders and Zach could give them a much-needed edge in the backcourt, where players such as D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves have failed to deliver consistently. If the Lakers can grab an upgrade at the guard position and get their two stars to stay healthy, it could make all the difference for them in the 2024-25 campaign. For now, though, LaVine is off the table and he may be stuck in Chicago until he can return to acting and rehabilitate his trade value.
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