Bulls news: Suitors lining up for Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball injury update?

Just a week removed from the trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls find themselves in NBA purgatory. Simultaneously on the border of playoff contention while also possessing the 9th-best lottery odds, this team must decide which direction it wants to take, and they must do it fast.

Fortunately, the atmosphere surrounding these Bulls has been on the uptick lately as the team has steadily improved and is winning more often than not. Most important of all, Chicago’s young core of Coby White and Patrick Williams has been playing much better lately. The future of this team hinges on their ability to make a difference regardless if it’s as a member of the starting five or as a key reserve off the bench.

These next two weeks will almost certainly determine how the rest of the season will unfold for Chicago, so we’ll be monitoring the latest Bulls news closely from here on out.

Bulls news roundup:

• Although all signs point toward the Bulls looking to retain Zach LaVine, it hasn’t taken long for the vultures to begin circling following Chicago’s struggles this season. The Lakers have made no effort to hide their interest in a player like LaVine, who they’d pounce on if made available. Zach Lowe named the Lakers as a prime destination for LaVine on The Lowe Post if his situation in Chicago becomes any murkier. ESPN’s Tim McMahon also claims, “There are people who have some juice within the Mavericks organization who are Zach LaVine fans”, adding another suitor into the chase for LaVine as Dallas desperately looks to find help for Luka Doncic.
• Despite the videos that circulated last month showing Lonzo Ball had regained the ability to dunk and began treadmill work, it seems a return to the court this season is unlikelier than ever. Ball is reportedly still experiencing pain when running, and any optimism regarding his return has to be reaching an all-time low. Head coach Billy Donovan doused our hopes even more, telling the Chicago Tribune’s Julia Poe that Lonzo is “nowhere nearing playing”.
• In Kirk Goldsberry’s recent update of scoring leaders by region on the court, DeMar DeRozan stood out as the efficient mid-range superstar we all know he is. DeRozan was the only player to occupy four spaces on the court, with Kevin Durant and Luka Doncic as the only other players to secure three of the zones. No other Bulls players appear on the list, but it’s great to see DeMar included among some of the most transcendental players to ever step on the court here. His impact on the Bulls truly cannot be understated.

Around the NBA

• A post on Reddit made waves through NBA media earlier this week, as one user named AdMassive6666 brought into question the validity of DPOY frontrunner Jaren Jackson Jr.’s statistical prowess. This user claimed Memphis was bloating Jackson Jr.’s block and steal counts to bolster his case for DPOY, but that has since been debunked by several members of the media including The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor. Now if only a Reddit user could make a post about the NBA’s L2M reports, then maybe the Bulls’ record would more accurately affect their performance this season.

• In a 60-point masterclass against the Utah Jazz, Damian Lillard made NBA history by posting an absolutely unreal 89.8% true shooting percentage. Dame propelled Portland to a 134-124 victory by knocking down 9 three-pointers and shooting 21-for-29 from the field as a whole. Lillard is truly hitting his stride right now and proving why he’s a perennial All-NBA player. Unfortunately for the Bulls, Lillard and the Blazers will be paying a visit to the United Center later this week. Tune in on Saturday night, you won’t want to miss it.