According to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is expected to miss at least one-to-two weeks with a right ankle sprain.
LaVine suffered “worse than just a grade one” ankle sprain.
LaVine sprained his right ankle against the Toronto Raptors on January 18. The two-time All-Star has played in just 25 games this season due to injuries.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls Updates
The 28-year-old LaVine is averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks this season while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 85.4% from the free-throw line. He’s making $40.1 million.
LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. He will make $43 million next season and $45 million in 2025-26. Chicago has been looking to trade LaVine for the past few months, but the UCLA product doesn’t have a trade market due to his massive contract and injury history.
Sources told NBA Analysis Network that LaVine wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group represents LaVine, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, sources said the Lakers are more interested in acquiring Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray, who is represented by Paul, too.
LaVine has a plus-minus of -92 this season. The Bulls have played better without the Washington native, which is why LaVine’s trade value is essentially non-existent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls Updates
A two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. All signs point toward Chicago not finding a taker for LaVine this season.
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