Chicago Bulls And Star Player "Not Seeing Eye To Eye"

 

The Chicago Bulls have had a frustrating year on the court. A report today, however, indicates that the troubles have spilled off the court as well, as two-time All-Star Zach LaVine and the team are "not seeing eye to eye."

Multiple league sources and sources close to the Bulls organization say Zach LaVine and the Bulls are not seeing eye-to-eye, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/mG4hPr1PrT

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) December 20, 2022

Multiple league sources and sources close to the organization say LaVine and the Bulls are not seeing eye-to-eye. Over the past few weeks, there’s been a palpable feeling across various parts of the franchise of a disconnect over LaVine’s situation in Chicago. 

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, in addition to the LaVine's struggles with the franchise, the on-court "disconnect" between him and fellow All-Star DeMar DeRozan has led the two wings to have their own "one-on-one, face-to-face sitdowns" to try to solve the issues.

Charania says that they maintain a good personal relationship, but that there's still "a level of on-court, stylistic tension simply festering throughout the season and being magnified due to the win-loss record." 

The Bulls are 11-18, on a four-game losing streak, and sitting in 11th spot in the Eastern Conference.

LaVine, 27, is in the first year of a five-year, $215M max deal that was signed this past summer. He's averaged 24.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists, while shooting 38.7% from three during his six seasons with the Bulls.

After their most recent loss, LaVine lamented, “it’s frustrating for all of us. I know it’s frustrating for the fans. It’s embarrassing. We’re all a little embarrassed about it.”

Photo: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports