Zach LaVine rebuffs reports he's disconnected from the team

Much of the maelstrom around the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday involved All-Star wingman Zach LaVine, who reports claimed was disconnected from the organization. However, the former Slam Dunk champion put all those concerns to rest, saying he feels good about the team and is looking forward to the rest of the season.

Zach rebuffs the media report

Speaking to the media after the Bulls got a win over the Miami Heat, 113-103, LaVine said no words ever came from him regarding his purported lack of connection with the team. As frustrated as he and the rest of the team are with how this season is going, the 27-year-old guard is still focused on helping his squad make a playoff run.

"I feel good about the team. If I had something to say about the team, it would come from my mouth. That didn't come from me," LaVine explained.

Zach LaVine reiterated his max contract hasn’t weighed on him, and he responds to ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ report that he’s been disconnected from the Bulls.

“If I had something to say about the team, it would come from my mouth,” LaVine said. pic.twitter.com/TgDYAGAxCw
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) December 21, 2022

Despite the brewing storm surrounding the team and the ability of its "Big Three" to work together, LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic all played well against an undermanned Miami Heat squad. LaVine had 21 points and seven assists, DeRozan put up 24 points, five boards, and five dimes, while Vucevic had a double-double of 29 points and 12 rebounds.

Tough conversations

No matter what is being said in the media, LaVine acknowledged that tough conversations must be had for the team to take the next step. He added that he and his teammates have been engaging in those conversations, which gives him a lot of optimism about the direction of the Bulls.

"We’re in this together. Sometimes you need those conversations from top to bottom and you get through it. Everybody should be frustrated. I’m glad we got the win to try and get back on track," said LaVine.

“We’re the only people that can get us out of here. So if we don’t have the confidence to do that, I don’t know what we’re doing."

Strong start in South Beach.

LaVine: 11pts/2ast
Vuc: 8pts/6reb
Coby: 6pts pic.twitter.com/KPbI2W9iwx
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 21, 2022