According to coach Billy Donovan, Zach LaVine is on track to return on schedule

No setback was experienced in Zach's foot recovery.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Amid the overwhelming trade noise and speculations that revolve around them, the Chicago Bulls remain hopeful about Zach Lavine's recovery. The All-Star guard has been inactive since last November due to nagging foot soreness, missing the team's past 10 games.

The Bulls announced that LaVine is out for three to four weeks. As such, this timeline set by the team is rolling smoothly as recently confirmed by Billy Donovan.

No signs of delay

According to Donovan, LaVine hasn't experienced any setbacks in his recovery and is on pace to make a return in the expected dates.

LaVine is already doing light shooting and straight jogging, but he has yet to get exposed to any exercises involving cutting or lateral movement since his foot injury remains under healing for a much more intense activity.

The Bulls coach also pointed out that LaVine will be required to condition himself back in the game within the 3-4 week timeframe, which involves scrimmages and contact drills. Zach will likely be back on play from around Dec. 27 to mid-January.

“I think he really really misses the game,” Donovan said. “He’s been a good voice in the locker room and on the bench trying to help and support those guys. Whenever he comes back and there’s a period of time where a player is out, everybody kind of readjusts to playing together again. That’s just normal.”

Still an important piece

Before being sidelined, LaVine played 18 games and averaged 21.0 points in 44.3 percent shooting to go with 4.9 boards.

ZACH LAVINE CLUTCH 🔥

TIE GAME. pic.twitter.com/uSryfxbMee

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 16, 2023

Interestingly, the Bulls have established the best stretch of their season by winning seven of the last 10 games without Zach. This positive mark has been a resonating influence on the team's likelihood to consider putting the star guard in the marketplace.

Nevertheless, the Bulls look focused on maintaining and capitalizing on their sizzling skid rather than inserting their energy into trying to trade LaVine. Chicago is eager to continue their winning ways and may ultimately weigh their future with him once he comes back and plays for plenty of games.

Lavine's agent dismisses desire to land in Los Angeles: "I don’t have a specific destination for Zach"