Has Zach LaVine “Rediscovered” His Incredible Scoring Prowess?

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.