Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine, who remained with the team despite trade rumors in the offseason, enters the 2024-25 season with a refreshed mindset. As the Bulls prepare for another campaign, LaVine expressed a grounded perspective on the privilege of playing professional basketball.
Speaking to the media during training camp, LaVine shared his outlook on the sport. “What I always come back to is, at the end of the day, we’re playing a kid’s game,” LaVine said, as reported by K.C. Johnson. “People would love to have our problems. . . This is a job and business. But we have an opportunity not a lot of people have. Let’s take advantage.”
LaVine’s mindset seems to reflect a balance between recognizing the pressures of the professional game and staying connected to the love of basketball that began in his childhood. Despite the challenges of last season, which included a career-high 51-point performance and a subsequent foot surgery that cut his season short, LaVine remains focused on the positives.
The 2023-24 season was a rollercoaster for the Bulls and LaVine. On October 28, 2023, LaVine scored 51 points in a 118-102 loss to the Detroit Pistons. It was a standout performance but came during a tough stretch for the team. Later in the season, LaVine underwent surgery on his right foot, limiting him to just 25 games. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 34.9 minutes per game during that span.
Despite the frustrations of injuries and an underperforming season, LaVine is entering the new season with optimism. The offseason trade talks surrounding him did not lead to a move, and now the 29-year-old guard is determined to make the most of his opportunity with the Bulls.
