Zach LaVine Reacts to Return to Bulls for 1st Time Since Trade and Reveals His Wish
Zach LaVine had an emotional night on Wednesday when he played his first game in Chicago as a visiting player since the Bulls traded him to the Sacramento Kings last season.
Speaking to reporters after the Kings' 126-113 loss, LaVine reflected on his return to the Chicago after playing in the city for eight seasons.
"I love Chicago," LaVine said. "Through ups and downs. I've grown my family here. I've had major moments, low points. I became a man here."
He went on to say that he "did a lot of good in Chicago," but his one "wish" was that he "could have won more here."
LaVine played well in front of his former hometown fans, scoring a game-high 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting in 36 minutes. It wasn't enough to get the win against a Bulls team that is off to a scorching start.
Chicago is 4-0 to open a season for the first time since 2021-22. The start has been fueled by a surprising defense that ranks fourth in rating and sixth in points allowed per game.
During LaVine's tenure with the Bulls from 2017 to '25, they had just one winning season and one playoff appearance. Both occurred during that 2021-22 campaign when they finished 46-36, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.
"Sometimes you do the best you can," LaVine said of the Bulls' struggles during his time with the club. "None of us try to lose, but you played the cards that you're dealt, and you play them to the best of your ability. I feel like I did that. I appreciate each and every moment that I've had here. I'll continue to be a fan of this team and this organization unless I'm playing against them. It's nothing but love for me."
LaVine was a two-time All-Star for Chicago and is one of six players to score at least 10,000 points with the franchise. He is also the franchise's all-time leader in total three-pointers made (1,130) and three-pointers made per game (2.7).
The Bulls traded LaVine to Sacramento in February as part of a three-team deal that was headlined by De'Aaron Fox going to the San Antonio Spurs.
LaVine will have another opportunity to play against the Bulls this season when they visit Sacramento on March 8. The Kings have dropped three straight games and are off to a 1-4 start.
