A shooting guard, Zach LaVine is a player who had an outstanding progression. His athleticism made him stand out in the Minnesota Timberwolves roster, but he truly rose to stardom by becoming a focal point of the Chicago Bulls. He is a prolific scorer and great three-point shooter with one of the best efficiencies in the entire NBA. His story is a tale of dreams which came true, as his love of basketball started from a very young age. As he still hasn’t reached his peak, it’s captivating to dive into the life and career of this very promising player.
Zach LaVine – Early Years
Sport surrounded Zach LaVine from early childhood. He was born on March 10, 1995, in Renton, Washington and both of his parents were professional athletes. Paul LaVine played football for the United States Football League and National Football League.
His mother Cherlyn Johnson-Lavine used to be a softball player. Zach was a big fan of Michael Jordan and after watching Space Jam, he knew that he will become a basketball player one day. He also idolized Kobe Bryant and profusely watched his gameplay as he wanted to become as good as him.
Zach LaVine – High School Career
Zach LaVine’s parents made his dreams easier to pursue, as his father coached him in their backyard, playing make-believe NBA’s Three-Point shootout. In his junior year in high school, he grew to 6 feet 3 inches and added dunking to his practice routine. Zach LaVine attended Bothell High School in Bothell, Washington, where he averaged 28.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in his senior year.
For his performances, he was chosen to be Washington Mr. Basketball, along with being named the 2013 Associated Press Washington state player of the year. He gained national recognition and was named to the first-team Parade All-American. He took part in the Ballislife All-American Game and won the slam dunk competition.
Zach LaVine – College Career
Zach LaVine was considered a four-star recruit and wanted to attend the University of California in Los Angeles, to be coached by Ben Howland. When Howland was fired, LaVine deliberated to go back to Washington but ultimately stayed in UCLA.
Zach LaVine – The Sixth Man
The 2013-14 season started with Zach LaVine acquiring the role of the sixth man. He was used as an energy player and often posted incredible dunks. He was noticed by NBA draft pundits and was said to be somewhere between the 5th and 10th draft pick. On January 26, 2014, LaVine began a six-game stretch in which he made just 7 of 36 of his field-goal attempts but it didn’t stop him to be voted into the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.
On April 16, 2014, he announced his decision to enter the NBA draft rather than finish his college education and play in amateur settings.
Zach LaVine – Minnesota Timberwolves
Zach LaVine entered the 2014 NBA draft where he was the 13th overall pick. He joined the Minnesota Timberwolves who appreciated his potential and decided to help him evolve. After signing a rookie scale contract, he participated in an offseason Seattle Basketball Pro-Am League slam dunk contest, which he won. From the start of the 2014-15 season, LaVine played 12 minutes total during the first five games.
His role changed, as Ricky Rubio was sidelined indefinitely, he became part of the starting roster for a few games. Later, he was replaced by Mo Williams but managed to score 28 points in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, on November 28th.
He was the second teenager in NBA history to score 25+ points and have 5+ assists as a reserve. When Williams was sidelined due to back problems, LaVine joined the starting lineup once again, and on December 6, 2014, he recorded his first double-double with 22 points and 10 assists.
Zach LaVine – Slam Dunk Contests
February of 2015 meant changes in the Timberwolves squad, as Ricky Rubio recovered and got back into the game and Mo Wiliams was traded. Zach LaVine participated in the 2015 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, which he won, by repeating some of the moves which gave his previous wins.
He managed to follow Kobe Bryant’s footsteps, as he became the youngest player to win the contest since Bryant in 1997. He also honored his other idol, as he wore Michael Jordan’s 23 jerseys from the Space Jam movie. He got a perfect score for his first two dunks. During the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend LaVine also participated in the Rising Stars Challenge
The season concluded with Zach LaVine scoring 37 points and nine rebounds against the Golden State Warriors. He averaged 10.1 points per game ppg points, 2.8 rebounds, 3,6 assists per 77 games he played, including 40 he started. For his performances, he was named to the All-NBA Rookie Second Team.
Zach LaVine – A Rising Star
The Minnesota Timberwolves extended LaVine’s contract for the 2016-17 season, in which he took over the main point guard role as Rubio was sidelined again. He proved his worth the time on the court, by scoring season-high 28 points on December 13, 2016.
Along with other young players, Karl Anthony-Towns and Andrew Wiggins, LaVine managed to score 20+ points in the same game, becoming the first trio under the age of 21, to do so. In January,
LaVine broke the franchise scoring record for non-starter with 35 points. He participated in the Slam Dunk Contest once again, becoming the fourth player in league history to win two consecutive dunking titles. He was part of Team USA in the Rising Stars Challenge, where he scored 30 points and became MVP.
Zach LaVine – Injury
The 2017-18 eas to be another one spent with the Timberwolves. Zach LaVine matched his career-high in a win over the Orlando Magic on November 9 and topped that by scoring career-high 40 points in a loss against the Sacramento Kings, on December 23. Sadly, in February of 2017, Zach LeVine had an MRI which revealed that he has torn the ACL in his left knee. The injury and subsequent surgery ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Zach LaVine – Chicago Bulls
For the next season, Zach LaVine was traded to the Chicago Bulls where he debuted with 14 points. For the next season, he got an offer from the Sacramento Kings but the Bulls matched it, as they wouldn’t let LaVine go. He opened the 2018-19 season with three games with over 30 points, joining Michael Jordan and Bob Love as the third Bulls player to ever do so.
On October 24, he made two free throws with 0.5 seconds left to help the Bulls beat the Charlotte Hornets 112–110. It was his fourth game with 30+ points. A few days later, on November 5, Lavine topped his career-high with 41, which included the game-winning free throw.
In all 15 games at the top of the season, he scored over 20 points, ending his streak on November 14. In December LaVine had to miss five games with a sprained left ankle. When he recovered, he posted 28 points in only 26 minutes he was off the bench.
Zach LaVine – 42-points in a Single Game
Zach LaVine topped his career-high with 42 points in a game on February 23, 2019. In March, he injured his right leg and despite appearing in only 63 games, he led the team in points scored.
Zach LaVine carries Chicago, and it was visible even in the earlier seasons, as he posted high scores multiple times. He dominated the team, being the leader in scoring in 42 of 65 games of the shortened 2019-2020 season. On November 23, 2019, LaVine scored a career-high 49 points, 13 of them being three-pointers. His score included the game-winning three-point shot over the Charlotte Hornets.
Zach LaVine – Career-high Season
In the 2020-21 regular season, LaVine was averaging career highs in both scoring and efficiency. The team had a new coach, Billy Donovan, who helped LaVine excel above other players. LaVine was selected for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game reserve, marking his first All-Star selection. He went onto the floor for over 28 minutes and scored 13 points. During this, he gave a solid output and went on a streak of 17 games, where he had 30+ points.
Zach LaVine – The 2021-22 season
For the 2021-22 season, LaVine established himself as a solid player. Along with Demar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, Nikola Vucevic, and Javonte Green, LaVine is a part of the starting lineup. The bulls’ bench is also incredibly strong this season, starring Coby White, Alex Caruso, Derrick Jones Jr, and Tony Bradley. We keep our fingers crossed for the Bulls to dominate the Eastern Conference.
What position does Zach LaVine play?
Zach Lavine primarily plays the shooting guard and small forward positions. He currently plays for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has become known for his high-flying dunks and three-point shooting abilities.
Does Zach LaVine have siblings?
Zach LaVine has three sisters – Camryn Lavine, Chandi Leishman, and Linda Carter.
How long has Zach LaVine been with the Bulls?
since 2017. He signed a 4-year, $78 million deal with the team in July 2017 following a trade from Minnesota. He went on to be named an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2021, and again in 2022. In addition, he’s become one of the best dunkers in Bulls history, having won two slam dunk contests throughout his career. He is also known for his ability to shoot efficiently from beyond the arc and excels in transition offense.
