Zachary Thomas LaVine is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected in the first round of the 2014 NBA draft as the 13th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, he was named an NBA All-Star in 2021 and 2022. He also won a gold medal on the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo.
LaVine grew up in the Seattle area, where he was honoured as the state’s top high school player. He played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. After one season at UCLA, he entered the NBA after being named one of the top freshmen in the Pac-12 Conference.
As a rookie with Minnesota, LaVine won the league’s Slam Dunk Contest and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In 2016, he became the fourth NBA player to ever win consecutive dunk contests. He was traded to Chicago in 2017.
Zach LaVine Son: Meet Saint Thomas LaVine
In April 2020, LaVine became engaged to his longtime girlfriend. Their first child, a son, was born in August 2022. In April 2020, LaVine became engaged to his longtime girlfriend. Their first child, a son, was born in August 2022.
LaVine is returning to lead a Bulls team that was decimated by injuries last season. He was selected to his second straight All-Star Game and averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 2021-22.
Along with fellow All-Star DeMar DeRozan, LaVine should help Chicago contend for a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference this year.
The Bulls will open their 2022-23 season against the Miami Heat on Oct. 19.