When the Chicago Bulls face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, it will mark Zach LaVine’s first appearance at the United Center as an opposing player since his trade to the Kings in February.
The moment is expected to be an emotional one, and Bulls center Nikola Vucevic hopes the home crowd shows appreciation for what LaVine contributed during his years in Chicago.
“I hope Bulls fans give him the welcome he deserves,” Vucevic told Paul Sullivan of The Chicago Tribune.
“He gave a lot to the Bulls organization throughout the years. I know people criticized him at times, but it wasn’t always fair. He’s a great guy, always competed, played hard, tried his best and cared and wanted to do what’s right for the organization. He didn’t win, but I don’t think he always had the pieces (around him). And when we did, it didn’t work out for all of us.”
LaVine spent nearly seven seasons with the Bulls, serving as their leading scorer and face of the franchise through multiple rebuilds. He has played 12 seasons for the Bulls, Timberwolves, and Kings.
He has averaged 20.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 658 regular-season games. He was selected to play in 2 All-Star games.
Central Notes: McClung, White, LaVine, Green, Rollins https://t.co/h7J7ATUdRu pic.twitter.com/y4bNesxWnB
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 29, 2025
