Zach LaVine’s Road to Recovery: The NBA Star Offered a Health Update After His Season-Ending Injury
Zach LaVine faced a season-ending injury and his future in the NBA is uncertain. Here's what we know about the athlete's potential return date.
By D.M.Apr. 18 2024, Published 3:09 p.m. ET
Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine’s career has been a rollercoaster. The Seattle native was a star athlete during his time at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he showcased his talents on a national stage. After one standout season with the Bruins, Zach declared for the NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 13th overall pick in 2014.
In Minnesota, Zach wasted no time making an impact. He quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the league, winning the Slam Dunk Contest in 2015 and 2016.
However, it wasn't until his trade to the Chicago Bulls in 2017 that Zach truly began to flourish on the court. He emerged as the focal point of Chicago's offense, averaging over 19.5 points per game in each of his seasons with the team, per ESPN.
In a devastating blow to the Chicago Bulls and their fans, Zach has since been sidelined by a significant injury in January of 2024. The injury prompted concern from Bulls lovers, who are holding their breath for his return. But what date can we expect him to be back on the court? Here's a health update.
Zach Lavine #8 of the Chicago Bulls controls the ball against the Houston Rockets.
What happened to Zach LaVine? Here's a look at his medical history.
The 2023-24 season has been trying for Zach. According to ESPN, Zach’s first injury took place in November 2023 – causing him to miss 17 games. He returned to the court in January, but his stint was short-lived.
Zach played 25 games total for the season, and now, rumors have begun to surface about his future with the Chicago-based team. In an interview with NBC Sports, Zach admitted that he was aware of the rumors but suggested he was trying to stay focused on his basketball comeback.
“My name has been circulating around more than once from the beginning of my career to now,” Zach said. “If I let people’s opinions bug me or influence me, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. So I go out there and keep doing me.”
He added that he has not spoken to anyone about the potential trade despite rumors that he requested the switch.
Zach LaVine's return date could be sooner than you think.
Zach is optimistic about his return to the NBA. That said, his injury not only poses challenges for the Bulls in the short term but also raises questions about his future with the league.
As the offseason approaches, Zach’s health and ability to return to playing form will undoubtedly factor into the organization's decision-making process. Zach was initially set to be sidelined for up to six months, but his recovery is going much smoother than expected.
Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls shoots a ball.
“I feel really good. I get the boot off soon,” he told NBC Sports, adding, “There’s not a lot. I just have to wait obviously for the tendon to heal. And then it’s a straightaway rehab. My legs feel strong, body feels good.”
There are conflicting reports about Zach’s fate with the Bulls. It was previously reported that the team and Zach’s agent agreed to find him another home after a bad start to the 2023-24 season. However, Zach has shot down those claims. It’s unclear which team the baller will play for in the fall.
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