Zach LaVine says he and Billy Donovan "are good" after late benching vs. Orlando Magic

The Bulls' All-Star said there’s no beef between him and head coach Billy Donovan

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Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine said he and head coach Billy Donovan had a productive conversation in the wake of his benching late in the game against the Orlando Magic on Friday. 

That game went down the wire, but the Bulls lost by the skin of their teeth, 107-108. While LaVine believes his presence on the floor late in that game could have resulted in something which may have averted the loss, he says he and Donovan are "good."

A game to forget

LaVine had a forgettable outing against the Magic which resulted in the team's 10th loss -- the high-flying wingman shot 1-of-14 and was a -19 in a season-low 25 minutes. Still, LaVine said he spoke to Donovan and told him that his undisputed stature as one of the team's key cogs earned him the right to battle through a rough game.

"I just told him I feel like I've earned the right to go out there and try to play through a bad game. If we won, obviously I would've been ecstatic. We lost, I wasn't. I had a terrible game," said LaVine after Sunday's practice.

Zach LaVine said he and Billy Donovan “talk all the time” but he said he feels he has “earned the right to play through a bad game.”

“Could’ve I had a better game? Yes. It’s one game. Let’s not blow it of proportion. I understand his decision. We’re good.”

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 20, 2022

"Now, do I think I could have played better? Of course. I also have the mentality of, if I was able to go out there I think I could've helped the team win. If I went 1-for-20, I would've been fine with that. I just wish I had an opportunity to go out there and try to make a couple more shots," LaVine added.

Late-game free-throws

The Bulls had a shot at sealing the victory late, but Nikola Vucevic missed two free throws that could've put them up 109-105, allowing Jalen Suggs to hit what proved to be a game-winning three on the other end.

JALEN SUGGS GAME WINNER! pic.twitter.com/yOYbu6Medx

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 19, 2022

LaVine said he could have been the one to take the critical free throws that could have sealed the victory but was left on the bench. Donovan instead went with a five of Goran Dragic, Ayo Dosunmu, Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic.

"I told him at the very least bring me in for free throws. I think I could've helped at least seal the game with free throws and help get the ball inbounds. I'm one of the best players on the court regardless of who's playing and I think that I should be on the court in crunch time. That's just the mentality I have," LaVine said.

Donovan said there's no use playing the "what-if" game and that he's focused on the future.

"In that moment, could've he been out there for the two free throws? Yeah, maybe. Maybe he gets the ball, maybe he doesn't. Maybe he makes both free throws and the game is over. Maybe Vooch makes both free throws. It didn't work out that way," the Bulls' head coach said.