The Chicago Bulls have been one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference throughout the 2021-22 NBA season, but have experienced no shortage of injuries to key players. With Lonzo Ball (meniscus tear), Patrick Williams (wrist injury), and Alex Caruso (fractured wrist) remaining sidelined, Zach LaVine’s name surfacing in injury news adds reason for concern.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Zach LaVine is traveling to Los Angeles to see a specialist to evaluate his left knee after experiencing recurring discomfort. He still plans to participate in All-Star Weekend, however.
“Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine is traveling to Los Angeles to get further evaluation on his left knee but still hopes to participate in next Sunday’s All-Star Game, sources told ESPN,” Wojnarowski wrote.
“LaVine has been experiencing discomfort in the knee for several weeks, and although a January MRI showed no structural damage, there’s certainly a level of concern within the organization, sources said.”
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Despite having a combination key players being in and out of the lineup this season, the Bulls have remained a successful team. DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic have both stepped up in a major way.
DeRozan has even been making history in the midst of scoring over 35 points in five consecutive games—becoming the first Bulls player since Michael Jordan to have at least four straight 35-point outings. On the season, DeRozan is up to averages of 27.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while converting 51.2% of his field goal attempts.
Vucevic started the season posting struggling results but has turned up his play as of late. He’s reached the 30-point threshold in three of his performances in February and is averaging 21.2 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists so far in eight performances this month.
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DeRozan understands the importance of LaVine doing what he needs to do to manage his injury when talking to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, “As bad as I know he wants to play, he’s gotta take care of his body.”
The Chicago Bulls’ 36-21 record currently trails only the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference but teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers are not far behind. If DeMar DeRozan can continue to shoulder the scoring load at an elite level while Zach LaVine is sidelined, perhaps they can stay afloat.
What matters most is that Zach LaVine is ready to help the Chicago Bulls come playoff time. Sacrificing a bit of ground when it comes to the standings for the bigger picture may be the approach to take.
