Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine has now scored 30 or more points in five straight contests. The 29-year-old swingman went for 32 against the Washington Wizards, 33 against the New York Knicks, 35 against the San Antonio Spurs, 31 versus the Indiana Pacers, and 33 back in Washington D.C.
Zach LaVine 3 for 31...
— NBA (@NBA) January 11, 2025
It's his FIFTH STRAIGHT game with 30+ PTS.
He joins Michael Jordan and DeMar DeRozan as the only @chicagobulls to score 30+ PTS in 5 straight games! pic.twitter.com/o4w1s7SkEH
LaVine is averaging 32.8 points per game in the month of January. He hasn't played a game in 2025, converting less than 50 percent of his field goals. LaVine has connected on 59.8 percent of his field goal attempts and 42.2 percent of his triples over his last five appearances.
While many of the NBA's fans have yet to take notice, LaVine's teammates are assuredly in awe of his recent performances. Reserve guard Lonzo Ball said it best after the Bulls' victory over the Wizards on Friday night. Lonzo referred to Zach as, "probably the best shooting guard [he's] ever played with in [his] life."
Ball added fuel to LaVine's All-Star bid's fire
Zo had high praise for Zach after his 5th straight 30-point game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/N6kJHN7S1w
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 11, 2025
Although Ball doesn't possess a long list of elite shooting guards he's played alongside (sorry, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope), his compliment tells of LaVine's impressive season. Besides his hot, five-game stretch, LaVine has scorched the nets and played All-NBA-level basketball all season.
The 6-foot-5 guard is averaging 23.6 points on 51.8 percent shooting from the floor and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc. Both his field goal and three-point percentages are career highs. Furthermore, LaVine offensive rating, effective field goal, and true shooting percentages are all career bests. His individual statistics have been awe-inspiring, but it must be noted that the Bulls are substantially better with LaVine on the floor.
LaVine has never been an impact player despite strong career statistics—until this year. The Bulls are 7.4 points per 100 possessions better with their former All-Star on the court. That number ranks in the 83rd percentile. His offensive contributions rank in the 91st percentile, adding 7.7 points per 100 possessions to Chicago's offense. To further emphasize LaVine's fantastic campaign, he is the only Bulls' starter with a positive net rating.
Lonzo Ball on Zach LaVine: “He’s just a pure scorer. He really doesn’t have any weaknesses on the court.”
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 11, 2025
Ball's comments are rightfully vindicated. LaVine seemingly has no weakness, at least on the offensive end of the floor. His shooting splits are outrageous, and he's contributing to winning basketball. Although the Bulls are 18-20, they're only 2.5 games back from the sixth seed, escaping the play-in.
Chicago is 5-2 in its past seven games. If LaVine continues his torrid pace, he may make the All-Star team and, better yet, lead Chicago to a playoff appearance. While a win over the lowly Wizards isn't anything to get excited about, the Bulls have a clear-cut number-one option, and he's shown it emphatically in recent appearances.