Zach LaVine Is About to Prove All His Haters Wrong - Get Ready for a Wild NBA Ride

CHICAGO — After what was perceived as a relatively underwhelming season for the Chicago Bulls last year, Zach LaVine is feeling like he has a point to prove in the NBA. LaVine, who turns 28 in March, is looking to reestablish himself as one of the league’s elite players.

LaVine, the two-time All-Star, expressed his frustration with how his game was perceived by fans and media last season. LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 58 games for the Bulls, shooting 48% from the field and 38% from the three-point line.

‘‘I’ve gotten to a point where I know what I can do,’’ LaVine said in a recent interview with ESPN. ‘‘I’ve been in the league for nine years now. I’ve been able to sustain myself at a high level, and everybody in the NBA knows what I do.’’

LaVine believes that last season was not a true reflection of his abilities. He battled a knee injury early in the season and struggled to find his rhythm, but he never used that as an excuse. Instead, he put in extra work during the offseason to improve his overall game, particularly on the defensive end.

‘‘I’ve been in this league too long to let one bad season define me,’’ LaVine said. ‘‘I’ve worked too hard for that. I’ve overcome injuries. I’ve overcome struggles, and I’ve always come out on top.’’

With a healthy LaVine back in the lineup, the Bulls are expecting big things from their star guard. They have a solid core of players, including DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Patrick Williams, and they believe that they have what it takes to make a deep playoff run.

LaVine is confident that he can lead the Bulls to greatness. He knows that he has the talent and the work ethic to succeed, and he is eager to prove his doubters wrong.

‘‘People are going to say what they want to say,’’ LaVine said. ‘‘But at the end of the day, I know what I’m capable of, and I know what I can do on the court.’’