After DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine to follow suit as Bulls fear "dysfunctional" locker room: Report
Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine has been under the spotlight for the last couple of years and not for the best reasons. The former Minnesota Timberwolves player has failed to make an impact on the six-time NBA champion franchise despite having a large contract and high expectations.
The Bulls appear to be finally heading towards a rebuild. After DeMar DeRozan left the squad, LaVine could do the same and become the second member of their supposed Big 3 to leave the organization.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Bulls executive Arturas Karnisovas is concerned about potential locker-room issues if LaVine stays with the team. The player doesn't have the best relationship with head coach Billy Donovan, which could become a big problem for the unit.
“The source said a key buffer between the two, especially as far as LaVine is concerned, was veteran forward DeMar DeRozan. With DeRozan now with the Kings after a sign-and-trade, that buffer is gone. LaVine and the Bulls want to part ways," Cowley reports, via Legion Hoops on X (Twitter).
Zach LaVine landed in Chicago during the 2017-18 NBA season, playing 24 games with the team that campaign. He's been in Windy City since then, but his game has never translated into a deep playoff run for the Bulls.
After landing DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball, the Bulls were expected to be animators in the East, but they can't click and compete like other teams in the conference.
Ball has averaged 24.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in 374 duels with the Bulls. Now, it's time to depart, but it's unclear where he'd play next.
LA Clippers reportedly not interested in Zach LaVine
Two West teams, the LA Lakers and LA Clippers, were mentioned as potential suitors for Zach LaVine. However, the Clippers are reportedly uninterested in the guard, even after Russell Westbrook's departure.
At the end of June, the Lakers were reported as candidates to acquire LaVine's services. They apparently saw the Bulls player and Trae Young as the only ways to improve 'with star talent added'.
It's unclear where the Lakers stand now about LaVine. He can be a solid third option for them, but it won't be easy to carry out considering LaVine has a hefty contract and perhaps the fit with the Lakers won't be the most ideal.