The Bulls secured a come-from-behind, 21-point comeback win against the Heat on Saturday, but the victory wasn’t without drama, according to the Chicago Sun-Times’ Joe Cowley.
Star guard Zach LaVine “all but stormed off” the court and cameras caught him pulling his arm away from the team’s public relations director during an attempt to get him to fulfill his post-game media obligations, Cowley writes.
“Just a miscommunication with the PR team,” LaVine said. “We’re all fine.”
According to Cowley’s sources, Chicago’s front office was immediately made aware of the situation and are “less than thrilled” with LaVine’s actions. Further, Cowley adds that when coach Billy Donovan found out about the incident, he was “downright ticked.”
All of this comes off the heels of reporting over the past week indicating LaVine and the Bulls are both open to exploring a potential change of scenery.
LaVine is one of the league’s premier scorers, averaging 24.4 points and shooting 38.4% from deep since arriving in Chicago. Despite his individual success, the Bulls have just one playoff appearance in the six full seasons he’s been there and at 5-9 this year, look to be fast-tracking toward missing the playoffs or an early exit.
Of course, the Bulls’ issues don’t start and end with LaVine. To his credit, he emerged into a two-time All-Star there and Chicago has dealt with numerous issues during his time with the team. The biggest what-if facing this current grouping is the long-term absence of Lonzo Ball, who hasn’t played since Jan. 14, 2022 and isn’t expected back anytime soon. When Ball was healthy, the Bulls were 26-10 at one point and sat atop the Eastern Conference standings with this very core.
Additionally, the post-game issues could have truly been a misunderstanding. Still, Cowley reporting anger from Chicago management and coaching is significant and adds another chapter to the perception of disconnect between the parties.
ALL this drama over nothing
Great Googly Moogly
“Downright ticked” is exactly how the bulls run their franchise, when someone tells me they are downright ticked I no longer take them seriously as a human for they are a moron
Bulls need to fire Donovan and root out the owners…
He should go back to college. I am sure some top college will bring him in.
DeM DeR >>>> to Knicks
No.
Is this the onion lmao. “Downright ticked” no wonder Billy gets so much out of his players, it’s the fear of gosh
I’d be more concerned with his defense. No miscommunication there, and they’re not all fine.
Saw the video. The PR lady grabbed at him and he just pulled his arm away. This is just Chicago media blowing things up because of their malcontent. Just wait for the Bears news tomorrow.
Love this site but c’mon guys. Why?
“LaVine is one of the league’s premier scorers…”
He is also one of the NBA’s premier mosquito brains in terms of (basketball) IQ.
Lavine for Wiggins and Moody/Kuminga?
I’m not the biggest Lavine guy but that seems light. Kuminga has little value and that can’t be the highlight of your return. Wiggins makes little sense for this timeline either, for both teams
Bulls need an actual PF and PG none are in this trade.