-
Jamal CollierESPN
CHICAGO — Chicago Bulls Star Zach LaVine Coach and he agreed. Billy Donovan are “all right” and that he doesn’t want to exaggerate one game. This was after LaVine complained about not playing down Friday’s loss. Orlando Magic.
LaVine, who is a two-time All-Star, scored four on Friday’s 1 of 14 shooting before being sent to the bench at the final 3:43. Chicago lost its fourth consecutive game. LaVine expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, but he was able to talk with Donovan during practice the next morning.
After practice on Sunday, LaVine stated that he had just told LaVine that he felt like he’d earned the right to try to win a bad game. “His decision was made to do the most for the team, which is something I respect. I would have been thrilled if we won. We lost, but I wasn’t. I played a terrible game.
“But it is one game, man. This is not a win, but a loss. We have had several losses this year. There were many games remaining this year. He understands me and we are all fine. I also understand the difficult decisions he must make as a coach, even though some of his players may not agree with it.
Donovan said that he had no issues with LaVine who signed a five year, $215 million max contract.
Donovan stated Sunday that he understood Donovan’s competitive nature and desire to win. “He should. “I think that all great players would like to be able.
“I felt at that time it was best to do what was best for the team. He is aware that I will always do my best to help the team and put them first. His opinion was important to me, and I respect that.
After trailing by as much as 19-points at the half’s end, the Bulls surged back to win the fourth quarter. LaVine sat on the bench. He had not scored so few points since March 2018, according to research from ESPN Stats & Information, and this was the worst shooting game of his career (minimum 10 shots).
Bulls win the game in the final seconds. Nikola Vucevic Magic guard missed two free throws that would’ve sealed the win. Jalen Suggs to make the game-winning three pointer.
LaVine stated, “That second unit, and the other guys that he brought, did a great job of returning to the game and it became very winnable.” “I told Donovan to bring me in for free shots. I feel I could have helped at least seal it with free throws, and got the ball in bounds. I’m a great player, no matter who’s on the court.
Donovan indicated that he understood LaVine’s concern about late-game free-throw situations, even though it wasn’t clear if it would make any difference given Vucevic’s career-high shooting of 87.8% from beyond the line this season.
Donovan and LaVine both praised their strong relationship and continued communication as they tried to get over this incident.
Donovan stated, “Anytime you’re in an extremely, very competitive environment there’s always going be frustrations, disappointments, or people getting upset.” “But I feel like Zach can talk to me and I believe he can too.
LaVine said, “Me and Billy have an excellent relationship. We communicate all the time. He understands that we are grown men and it is a mature man’s business. There will be some difficult days. As in any business or sport, there will be times when you disagree with each other. Talk about it, move on and you’ll understand where the other side comes from.