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Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan believe they can still turn things around
NBA stars soak in all the shine when things are going well. However, when the team's performance declines, the stars take most of the blame. That's currently the situation for Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, as they have shouldered much of the responsibility for the Chicago Bulls' lackluster performances so far this season.
At 9-14, the Bulls stand well outside of the playoff picture. But despite the team's struggles, LaVine and DeRozan remain optimistic that they can still turn things around.
The urgency of the situation
With a quarter of the regular season in the books, there are still plenty of games left to be played. With that, LaVine and DeRozan recognize the urgency of the situation, knowing they need to find some spark quickly if they want to turn around their fortunes.
For that to happen, LaVine says the team's leaders must dig deep and even have difficult conversations if needed.
"That's for the leaders of the team to do — band together. It's us versus everybody. Nobody is going to help us dig out of this hole besides us. There will be tough conversations, words said. Sometimes you need that," LaVine said after the Bulls fell to the Sacramento Kings 101-110.
LaVine added they're trying to pull off all the stops to turn this season around; it just hasn't happened yet.
"We talk to each other every day. We watch film. We have pride. Guys have individual goals. It's just executing it," LaVine said.
Bulls must take control
DeRozan has encountered rough waters of late. After shooting 6-of-18 against the Golden State Warriors, the Compton native made 4-of-15 against the Kings. Despite the poor shooting marks, DeRozan remains unfazed, and woe is the team that underestimates him and the Bulls moving forward.
"I've got the most confidence in the world. Once it clicks, it's going to click no matter who we're playing," said DeRozan.
