Zach LaVine has suffered the fate that many stars face in professional sports. Those who are paid the most, sell the most jerseys, answer the most interview questions, and are regarded as the face of a franchise carry as much burden as they do privilege. Those players receive the most praise, credit, and recognition when the franchise is doing well. When things aren't going so well, it's common to see the opposite. LaVine's career in Chicago has gone from the blossoming star who was bound to take the Bulls to the next level to possibly the most despised current Chicago athlete. One Bulls organizational member is stopping the scrutiny and negative narratives.
Frustration Is Warranted From The Fanbase
Since arriving in Chicago, LaVine has had high expectations. Playing in an iconic basketball city for one of the most storied franchises in the NBA demands a winning standard that his predecessor, Jimmy Butler, embodied perfectly. Much of the fanbase got off to a sour start with the former UCLA Bruin guard because they never wanted to see the departure of Butler, who was shipped in the swap. After a gradual improvement individually and as a team through his first four seasons with the team, including his first All-Star selection, LaVine was awarded a max contract extension. The franchise started surrounding him more aggressively with star power. The 5-year, $215 million signing was the second rift between the All-Star and Chicago fans.
Since the contract was signed, things have taken a turn for the worse. The pressure to win was turned up full throttle on the Bulls, a desire they have yet to fulfill. In the last three seasons, they've boasted one playoff appearance with only one game won and two Play-In Tournament losses. He remains the only player among the top 20 paid in the sport without an All-NBA nod or playoff series victory. Some whispers of selfish behaviors or trade requests have helped aid the gradual grudge that Bulls fans hold for their two-time All-Star.
Stacey King Stands With LaVine
King is one of the most iconic voices in the Chicago Bulls organization, calling the games as the color commentator for nearly 20 seasons. He's expected to move to the Chicago Sports Network, where Bulls games have shifted to beginning with the 2024-25 campaign. As one of the closest eyewitnesses to the franchise for nearly two decades and someone involved with the team as much as anyone, King's opinion certainly holds value. He's calling out the city of Chicago to retain the facts regarding LaVine, and to halt the negative comments without evidence.
As much as the fanbase can argue that LaVine hasn't played to the level of his contract, that is more front office decision to sign the deal than a LaVine flaw. He's been willing to adjust roles throughout his tenure with the Bulls, including handing the keys to DeMar DeRozan down the stretch of games, coming off the bench when recovering from injury, and sacrificing shot attempts when Coby White and Nikola Vucevic were performing better than ever. It could be argued that naming trade destinations was only after the rumor mill had produced his name, forcing his hand. Regardless, his season-ending injury axed any potential trade, and he hasn't seen any new offers this summer.
Has Zach LaVine grown into a sour spot in the organization, or is the fanbase pitting against their All-Star guard by compiling all of the franchises' shortcomings on his back?
