Bulls’ Lavine to undergo season-ending foot surgery
Chicago Bulls star Zach Lavine is going to have season-ending surgery on his right foot, creating several major questions for the franchise ahead of the NBA’S trade deadline and into next year.
Following consultations with outside medical personnel, Lavine and his agency, Klutch Sports Group, made the decision in consultation with the team’s training and medical staff, the Bulls announced on Saturday. The two-time All-star is expected to have the surgery next week, and he will be out for four to six months.
Lavine, who turns 29 in March, missed 17 games from Nov. 30 to Jan. 3 with inflammation in his right foot. Following a slow start to the season, Chicago went 10-7 while Lavine was out.
The high-scoring guard returned Jan. 5 against Charlotte, and the Bulls responded with a stretch of five wins in seven games. But he rolled his right ankle during a 116110 victory at Toronto on Jan. 18.
Donovan said Lavine’s ankle isn’t an issue anymore, but his foot wasn’t responding well to treatment.
Lavine was acquired in a June 2017 trade with Minnesota. He resigned with the team in July 2022 for a five-year contract worth about $215 million.
He averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 25 games this season. He averaged at least 24.4 points and played in at least 58 games in each of the previous four years.
Donovan said he didn’t know the specific details surrounding Lavine’s surgery. Lavine did not speak with the media on Saturday.
The timeline for his recovery means he could be limited at the beginning of next season as he ramps back up after he regains his health following the operation.gi