The Chicago Bulls host the Sacramento Kings tonight, hoping to improve their record to 4-0 on the season. This will be the first time Zach LaVine has played in the United Center since being traded away last February, and DeMar DeRozan's second time back in Chicago since leaving in the summer of 2024. While many fans have mixed emotions about LaVine and the pit he has put the franchise in over the last decade, he still deserves a warm welcome home. He was with the franchise for eight seasons, the leading scorer, one of two All-Star selections, and the all-time leader in three-point baskets made. During his tenure, the Bulls only qualified for the playoffs once and lost 1-4 in the first round to the Milwaukee Bucks. How is he received in Chicago tonight, and how did his teammates view him during their time together?
Vucevic Had Only Good Things To Say
As expected from the 34-year-old center, Vucevic had a classy and respectful response to LaVine's homecoming tonight. He mentioned that much of the scrutiny surrounding the team was wrongfully assigned to his former running mate, but that LaVine was always competitive, team-first, and wanted to win. Funny enough, Vucevic has been in a similar boat for most of his Bulls' tenure, constant backlash and frustration from the fans due to the lack of team success. Regardless, he believes that LaVine deserves nothing but love and appreciation from Chicagoans tonight.
Nikola Vucevic on Zach LaVine’s return to United Center Wednesday ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/2SoqVx51jr
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 28, 2025
While the wins were not plentiful and there was only one playoff appearance during his stay, LaVine remains one of the most prolific Chicago Bulls of this century. He landed in the top ten of many statistical categories, including three-point shooting, scoring efficiency, points per game, and field goals. Flight 8 will not soon be forgotten in Chicago.
Deserves A Standing Ovation
Despite the abrupt ending to the relationship with the franchise, the former two-time All-Star should receive nothing but praise tonight. He was the organization's driving force for the last decade and embodied the Chicago traits of competitiveness and a will to win. 670 The Score's David Haugh agrees with that assessment.
.@DavidHaugh calls Zach LaVine "one of the most underappreciated athletes in Chicago in the last decade."
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) October 29, 2025
"I hope he gets a rousing ovation," Haugh says as LaVine returns to the United Center with the Kings.
Haugh also believes it was a "great move" for the Bulls to trade him. pic.twitter.com/t1cnP6hUnP
LaVine won't be the only familiar face returning to old stomping grounds; DeRozan and B.J. Armstrong will also be on the opposing sideline. They're expected to receive warm welcomes for their contributions to the franchise.
