The Chicago Bulls guard had knee surgery in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
The team said the surgery was a success and that LaVine is expected to make a full recovery. LaVine, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, had trouble with his knee for most of the second half of the season after he landed awkwardly grabbing a rebound against the Golden State Warriors.
LaVine flew to Los Angeles just before the All-Star break to visit the doctor who operated on him last year. He had fluid drained from his left knee and received a number of treatments to help him play the rest of the season. He missed 13 of the last 43 games because of his knee.
I have to figure out how to get back to 100 percent in the off-season, I played this year not at 100 percent. LaVine said on a video conference with reporters that he would figure out the best plan to get his knee feeling normal.
Everybody has to deal with stuff throughout the year, I don't think anyone is playing at 100 percent. If you want to play, you will do whatever you can.
In 67 games this season, LaVine averaged 24.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.5 Rebounds, while shooting 47.6% and 38.9% from 3. He made the All-Star game for the second year in a row despite laboring through the injury for stretches in the second half.
At his season-ending news conference, Bulls vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said he wanted LaVine in Chicago long-term and the status of LaVine's knee would not affect the team's interest in re-signing him this summer.
He had to go through the second part of the season and we appreciate that. He has a great relationship with Billy and I hope he stays here for a long time.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
