Zach LaVine is looking to regain his aggressiveness

"I'll find my rhythm over the next couple of games."

© Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Zach LaVine isn’t worried about his shooting struggles in his return to the Chicago Bulls lineup following a month-long absence due to a foot injury. The two-time All-Star has played in two games—both wins against the Charlotte Hornets—and has averaged only 12 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

LaVine hasn’t shot the ball well, either, shooting 42 percent from the field, including a putrid 27 percent from beyond the arc. The former UCLA Bruin, though, isn’t sweating his offensive struggles, saying that his rhythm will return as he racks up more games.

Shots weren't going in

The Bulls have come a long way since their woeful performance in November, which they finished with a 5-14 record. The team bounced back with a 10-5 showing in December to put them in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. LaVine explained that the Bulls are communicating better and playing with more connectivity, which has been the key to their improved play.

“I don’t think the beginning of the year we were well connected offensively or making shots at a high clip,” LaVine said. 

“We were trying do the right thing, but it wasn’t working out.”

Ayo with the floater 🤌 pic.twitter.com/P9TwrlrSCr

— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) January 9, 2024

Things are clicking

It may have taken a while, but the Bulls turned a corner—coincidentally during LaVine’s absence—when he missed 17 games. The team went 10-7 during that stretch, with impressive wins against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat. This success can be attributed to the rest of the team stepping up in LaVine’s absence and finding their rhythm on both ends of the court.

“Now we are playing with more pace. Guys are looking for others first and self second and competing on both ends of the floor. It gives me a chance to fit in seamlessly and just help us out. I’ll find my rhythm over the next couple of games when I can be aggressive and create for myself and other guys,” LaVine shared.

COBY WHITE FROM WAYYYYY DOWNTOWN ‼ pic.twitter.com/PZGeWeTyUf

— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) December 29, 2023