DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are ready for their second season together: "It can be very exciting and scary for other people"
In this story:
DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine
© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Bulls have high hopes for the upcoming season, and much of that rests on the shoulders of their All-Star duo of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.
The two players had incredible seasons last year and are looking to build on that this year and lead the Bulls back to the playoffs. Having already spent a week in training camp, the two spoke about how they plan to coexist this season.
Raring to get going
When DeRozan signed with the Bulls in 2021, many pundits questioned his fit with the high-usage LaVine. However, the two quickly put those concerns to bed as they formed one of the most dynamic duos in the league. They each averaged over 20 points per game while also chipping in with solid numbers across the board.
This season, the goal is to take things up a notch and help lead the Chicago Bulls back to the playoffs for a deeper run. And while there will be pressure on them to perform, they are both excited about the challenge.
"I can't tell you how many times I talked to him this summer, just checking on him, getting that leg back together. I want to be with a healthy Zach. A full year of that is something I dream about every single night," said DeRozan.
Health is paramount
With LaVine suffering a knee injury late in the 2021-2022 season, the Bulls were forced to rely on DeRozan a lot more. And while DeRozan rose to the challenge, he was clearly going on fumes, especially in the playoffs.
"We always talked about making things easier on one another. Being so up and down and not having each other made it tough on both of us. Having a healthy Zach and healthy me makes our job — and everybody else's job around us — a lot easier," DeRozan shared.
By themselves, DeRozan and LaVine are extraordinary basketball players. But it is when they are on the court together that they truly shine. And with a full season and a somewhat healthy roster, the sky is the limit for this Bulls team.
"Better shots, easier looks, and help this team win. That's what it's all about. But having another year underneath our belt, I think it's only going to get better, especially when we're both healthy,'" added LaVine.
