After missing nine games with an ankle injury, LaVine returned to the Kings and faced a team he has been linked to in trade talks.
Zach LaVine made his return to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday after missing nine consecutive games due to a left ankle injury.
Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine
MIN: 32.89
PTS: 20.17 (56.59%)
REB: 3
As: 2.33
ST: 0.71
BL: 0.17
TO: 2.13
GM: 24
Apparently, many raised their eyebrows and were left intrigued that he became available in facing the Milwaukee Bucks.
Per recent reports, LaVine stands as one of the key few players being linked to the Bucks in the wake of their season struggles and sheer motivation to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to stay.
But in his postgame presser, the star guard shrugged off any coincidence and trade speculation regarding his face-off against the team that has a rumored interest in his play.
"I think there have been trade talks with a lot of teams. I don’t think I worry about that," he told reporters after a 20-point performance off the bench in the Kings' 115-98 loss against the Bucks.
"That’s, I think, your guys’ job—to try to put some storylines out there so you can run with them."
Due to injuries, the Kings have been slumping badly this season with an 8-28 record. And they are certainly one of the key few teams to watch heading to the Feb. 5 trade deadline who could commence a fire sale, with LaVine at the centerpiece alongside Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan.
The 30-year-old LaVine, who was acquired by the Kings from the Chicago Bulls before 2024-25 trade deadline, is averaging 20.2 points and 3.0 rebounds this year. He is shooting 48.7 percent from the field (38.5 percent from three).
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