"Don't want to keep talking about the past": Zach LaVine opens Media Day press commitment with thoughtful opening statement
Zach LaVine opened his Media Day commitments with a thoughtful speech before the media dug into him with questions regarding his future with the Chicago Bulls and the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. After being a trade rumor staple for the whole of the offseason, the shooting guard will once again suit up with a new-look Chicago unit.
It was a recovery-filled summer for LaVine as he rehabilitated his knee that shut him down for the season after 25 games. He averaged 19.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Speaking to the media ahead of the presser, he made it clear he didn't want to talk about the past and the trade rumors.
“I don’t want to keep talking about the past or anything because there’s a lot of things I can’t speak on. There’s no reason to. I had a conversation when I first committed to the Bulls and signed my deal here with Michael (Reinsdorf), with Jerry (Reinsdorf), AK (executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas), the front office.
"The commitment they gave me, the respect they gave me, I’m going to continue to give them that same respect, not just the way I play, but with my professionalism. That won’t waver. That’s something I stand on.”
For now, the consensus is that Zach LaVine remains healthy for the season and hopefully dishes out another All-Star level run that could elevate the Bulls to playoff contenders. But with the NBA season often unpredictable, there's every chance that he could find a new home by the end of the season.
"Really nothing for me to complain about": Zach LaVine weighs in on the future
The same presser also saw Zach LaVine shed light on his future outside of his basketball career.
“I’m in a good space. Recovering was great. Being able to have a full summer of training was incredible. I have a beautiful wife and family. There’s not a lot for me to be upset about or mad at. I’m in a good place. Especially now that I’m coming back into camp healthy. There’s really nothing for me to complain about.”
On the field, LaVine will now shepherd a young side and will play a senior role alongside Nikola Vucevic. Only time will tell if he and the Bulls can make a deeper run this playoffs.