Zach LaVine on idea of missing games due to ankle concern

Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine entered Saturday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs with a questionable tag due to a right ankle sprain. The first-time All-Star ultimately played through the pain and scored 18 points on an inefficient 6-of-15 shooting night.

Perhaps it might be best for LaVine’s long-term health to sit out a couple of games to rest up his ankle to prevent further damage. However, the high-flying shooting guard claimed he isn’t wired that way. He believes he can still play effectively despite playing at less than a hundred percent.

Via Cody Westerlund of 670 The Score:

#Bulls‘ Zach LaVine on if he’ll consider sitting out a game to rest ailing ankle: “I don’t think that way. I think if I’m able to go out there and play and contribute in any way, if I’m at 50, 60, 70% or whatever, I still think I’m very effective and I can go out there and help.”

— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) March 28, 2021

LaVine quote continued: “If I feel like I’m a detriment to the team and I’m hurting, I’ll sit out. But I can play through pain. That’s one thing, as long as they clear me and they say I’m OK to play, I’m going to go out there and try to do what I do.”

— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) March 28, 2021

Saturday was an exciting time for the Bulls as it welcomed the debuting Nikola Vucevic. Unfortunately, the Spurs played the spoiler role as it handed Chicago a 120-104 defeat.

Every game matters for the Bulls from here on out. It’s clear that Chicago is gunning to make the postseason for the first time since 2017 with the acquisition of Vucevic. LaVine appears to be aware of the sense of urgency over the second half of the season with his willingness to play through the pain.

Nonetheless, the Bulls should probably assess further the extent of LaVine’s injury. Another unfortunate turn could spell doom for Chicago and could sideline the All-Star guard for weeks instead of just a couple of games of rest.

This will be a critical stretch for the Bulls at this juncture of the season. Following Saturday’s loss to San Antonio, they will play eight of their next nine games on the road, with a stop at home to play the surging Brooklyn Nets on April 4th.