Zach LaVine: From Trade Rumor Fodder to Elite Offensive Weapon
Last season, Zach LaVine’s name was synonymous with trade rumors. A foot injury limiting him to just 25 games, coupled with a hefty $43 million annual salary, painted a picture of a negative asset, a player the Chicago Bulls would need to offload with sweeteners attached. The narrative was set: LaVine was overpaid and underperforming. Fast forward to the current season, and that narrative has been completely rewritten. LaVine is not only healthy, but he’s playing arguably the most efficient basketball of his career, silencing the doubters and reaffirming his status as one of the league’s premier offensive talents.
LaVine’s resurgence is rooted in a confluence of factors, most notably his improved health and a strategic shift in Chicago’s offensive philosophy. Hampered by a foot injury last season, LaVine averaged less than 20 points per game for the first time since 2017-18. This dip in production, coinciding with the start of his five-year, $215 million contract extension, fueled speculation about his future in Chicago. This season, however, he’s averaging 23.6 points per game on remarkable efficiency: 51% from the field, a career-high 45% from beyond the arc on a hefty 7.1 attempts per game, and a career-best 64% true shooting percentage. These numbers aren’t just good; they place him among the league’s elite scorers.
LaVine’s offensive arsenal is multifaceted. While his long-range shooting is undeniably a strength, his ability to score from all areas of the court makes him a truly dangerous threat. He’s converting 68.1% of his shots in the restricted area and 40% from the mid-range, showcasing his proficiency both off the dribble and off-ball. His lightning-quick first step allows him to blow past defenders, while his astute off-ball movement creates opportunities for easy baskets. This versatility, combined with his athleticism, makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
A key element of LaVine’s improved efficiency is his willingness to embrace a more off-ball role. In previous seasons, he often shouldered the burden of creating offense, resulting in impressive scoring outputs but also exposing limitations as a primary playmaker. This season, his usage rate is down to 26.3%, the lowest of his Bulls tenure (excluding the injury-shortened previous year). This decrease in on-ball responsibility has allowed him to thrive as a cutter and spot-up shooter, benefiting from the playmaking abilities of teammates like Josh Giddey and the returning Lonzo Ball. With nearly half of his field goals coming off assists (compared to 42.9% last season), LaVine is demonstrating a newfound synergy within the Bulls’ offense.
The arrival of Giddey and the return of Ball have been instrumental in LaVine’s evolution. These two gifted passers excel at finding LaVine for open looks, whether he’s cutting backdoor, running off screens, or sprinting in transition. Their ability to deliver the ball precisely and on time allows LaVine to capitalize on his athleticism and shooting prowess, leading to a plethora of easy baskets. Examples abound of LaVine expertly reading the defense, making smart cuts, and finishing with emphatic dunks or layups off passes from Giddey or Ball. This symbiotic relationship between LaVine and his playmaking teammates has unlocked a new dimension in his offensive game.
The Bulls’ overall offensive approach has also undergone a significant transformation, further contributing to LaVine’s resurgence. Last season, Chicago ranked last in transition possessions per game and 28th in pace. This season, they’ve surged to second in transition possessions and third in pace, a dramatic shift that perfectly complements LaVine’s strengths. His world-class athleticism shines in the open court, where he consistently converts easy baskets off outlet passes and fast breaks. Averaging 1.33 points per possession on 4.8 transition possessions per game (placing him in the 88th percentile), LaVine has become a devastating force in transition. The Bulls’ increased emphasis on three-point shooting (second in the league in both attempts and makes) further spaces the floor, creating even more driving lanes for LaVine and opportunities for catch-and-shoot threes.
While the Bulls’ revamped offense hasn’t translated into immediate team success, it has undoubtedly revitalized LaVine’s career. By playing to his strengths and empowering him to thrive in a more off-ball role, the Bulls have unlocked a new level of efficiency and effectiveness in their star guard. LaVine’s willingness to adapt his game and embrace this new system speaks volumes about his professionalism and commitment to winning. Whether he remains in Chicago or is eventually traded, Zach LaVine has definitively proven this season that he is a valuable asset, an elite offensive weapon capable of elevating any team he plays for. He has resoundingly put to rest the narrative of a declining player and reasserted himself as one of the league’s most dynamic scoring threats.
