Report: Zach LaVine Has ‘Felt Singled Out’ During Bulls Film Sessions

According to NBA reporter Jamal Collier of ESPN, Zach LaVine has felt “singled out” during Chicago Bulls film sessions. 

LaVine feels like he has taken too much blame for the Bulls’ struggles. 

The Bulls acquired LaVine from the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017. They have made the playoffs once in the LaVine era, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round in 2022 in five games. 

“LaVine has also felt singled out during film sessions and feels like he has taken too much blame for the team’s losing during his tenure — which has produced one playoff appearance in seven years — despite other roster failings, sources told ESPN,” Collier reported. 

LaVine and the Bulls want to part ways, but Chicago hasn’t found a taker for the veteran shooting guard due to his injury history and massive contract. 

An NBA source told Hoops Wire that LaVine “would like” to get traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. LaVine, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have the same agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. 

However, the Lakers are not expected to pursue a LaVine trade, sources said. LaVine’s trade value is practically non-existent. He’s coming off surgery and has three years and $138 million left on his contract.

LaVine played in just 25 games in 2023-24. He underwent season-ending right foot surgery in February.

A two-time All-Star and a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 85.4% from the free-throw line.

LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022 during unrestricted free agency. 

A UCLA product, LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Timberwolves and Bulls. He has a 216-364 record in the NBA. 

“He’s never won, he’s done it his way the whole way and never won,” a Bulls source told ESPN. “If he’s interested in winning, he’ll do what’s asked of him. And if he’s motivated to not be here, one way is to come, be compliant and be who he is.”