After undergoing knee surgery in the 2022 Offseason, it seems that Zach LaVine is slowing starting to rediscover his Top DOG form. After 2 40-point games in the last 5 games, LaVine is scoring in bunches these days. His 41-point, 11!-triple outing @ Philly on Friday was extremely efficient (hit 11 treys on 13! attempts, shot over 70% for the field overall: 14/19) and helped CHI close the show after a late 76ers charge in the 4th.
Since the arrival of DeMar DeRozan last summer, LaVine has gradually adjusted to a true, secondary role in the offense - often times, the pair is able to excel individually (literally & figuratively), with iso ball ruling the majority of their successes offensively. Recently, however, LaVine is getting more opportunities to stand out as a catch & shoot threat, something Bulls analyst Stacey King has stressed a ton lately: Zach’s an elite C&S shooter who can light it up without having to create his own offense.
The main problem this season has been to the lack of a primary playmaker (like a Lonzo Ball) who can recognize that aspect and help to generate easier opportunities. In turn, LaVine has (sometimes) taken a backseat to DeRozan’s brilliance and has seemed a bit out of rhythm.
The emphasis on shooting without a set up should be a priority moving forward - LaVine can do damage in a number of ways without having to do “too much” on his own accord. It’s a formula that should breed success for the (currently) 10th-place Bulls.
LaVine continuing on an upswing could create a positive domino effect for Billy Donovan’s squad.