How often has Zach LaVine been injured in his career?
Chicago Bulls star shooting guard Zach LaVine has been battling a knee injury since the All-Star Break. He has had his fair share of knee issues throughout his career, including an ACL tear that forced him to develop a reliable jump shot. This year, his explosion has taken a hit, as his knee soreness has been clearly hampering his play.
Here’s a comprehensive look at LaVine’s injury history to date.
Zach LaVine injury history
There isn’t a single NBA player without an injury history — especially high flyers like LaVine. His isn’t as steep as some might think, but his knee has proven to be a problem throughout his career.
Knee Soreness, 2022
In January, LaVine suffered was sidelined for six games due to knee soreness, then missed another four games in February. During the All-Star break, he went to Los Angeles to have fluid drained from his left knee and also received a cortisone shot.
#Bulls star Zach LaVine admitted he's playing with "some pain" in his left knee but also added this:
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) March 15, 2022
"I feel good right now. Obviously, I’m going to try to do everything I can to play these games and also be careful and understand the long haul."
Health and Safety Protocols, 2021
In the latter part of the 2021 season, LaVine tested positive for COVID-19. When he first went into the NBA’s health and safety protocols, the team’s thought that he would miss five to eight games at most. That ended up not being the case … and he missed 11 games.
Quad, 2020
LaVine’s second full season with the Bulls wasn’t the smoothest. While trying to establish himself as the team’s leader, he also had a bout with a nasty quad strain in March that ended his season early.
He was expected to make a return in mid-March but then the entire NBA was suspended due to the pandemic.
Ankle, 2018
LaVine injured his left ankle in the fourth quarter of the Bulls game against the Orlando Magic in Mexico City. He was sidelined for five games behind the injury.
ACL, 2017
LaVine was the healthiest of the Timberwolves initial young core for the majority of his tenure with Minnesota. But he unfortunately tore is ACL during a loss to the Detroit Pistons. At the time, he was averaging 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
He was then traded to the Bulls while was recovering from his ACL tear. He did not play the first 42 games with Chicago the following season and then sat out final 13 games.
Is Zach LaVine worth a max contract for the Chicago Bulls this offseason?
Zach LaVine will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, leaving the Bulls with a tough decision on whether or not to give him a max contract.