Despite the recent string of success sans Zach LaVine, Coby White says the team still needs him

The Chicago Bulls have been on a roll lately, but Coby White thinks they still need Zach LaVine to reach the next level.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The future of All-Star guard Zach LaVine in Chicago remains uncertain. Currently sidelined due to a foot injury, the high-scoring two-guard has been at the center of trade talks ever since the front office reportedly indicated their openness to moving him this season.

However, rising Bulls star Coby said the team still needs LaVine’s unmistakable contributions to the team, especially on the scoring end.

Legitimate scorer

The Bulls have a formidable slate of games in front of them. A back-to-back against the Miami Heat beckons, followed by matches against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers. And with Alex Caruso missing the last two games due to an ankle sprain, the Bulls are in need of someone who can get buckets at a moment’s notice—something that LaVine specializes in.

“We’ve been missing Zach the whole time,” White said.

“Like I’ve always said, he’s Zach LaVine All-Star, one of the best scorers in the NBA. We need him.”

Although his scoring average of 21.0 points per game is down from his performances in the last few seasons, there’s no doubt regarding the former UCLA star’s scoring ability. LaVine is an explosive player with a knack for making difficult shots, and his return—if the Bulls don’t deal him first—could boost the Bulls’ chances of climbing the Eastern Conference ladder.

Left is Zach LaVine in his last 5 games. Right is Coby White in his last 5 games.

16.8 PPG 26.8 PPG
4.6 RPG 6.4 RPG
4.4 APG 5.8 APG
52/35/80% 54/57/90% pic.twitter.com/Z1h8E9quIs

— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 13, 2023

White says the Bulls need him

The Bulls have suffered two straight losses to drop to 9-16. These setbacks come on the heels of a four-game winning streak that had people in Chicago paying attention to the Bulls again. White said LaVine’s presence in those games would have made a huge difference.

“Tonight (Tuesday night), he would have helped. Last night (Monday night), he would have helped. The game before that, he would have helped. He’s going to help regardless. Having a guy like him on the floor is going to help. We need him for sure, no matter the circumstances,” White said.

Zach LaVine commits to Chicago

“Am I still a part of this team and very committed? Yeah. I’ve got a Bulls jersey on and I’m committed here. For as long as I’ll be here I’ll still support and love Chicago.”

(🎥 @byjuliapoe )

pic.twitter.com/0iK7VxUhyh

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 7, 2023

Coby White says the biggest difference between now and the start of the season is that he’s hitting shots