In two years with the Chicago Bulls, both Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen are yet to play in all 82 games in the regular season. With that said, the two young stars are determined to stay healthy and change all that.
During the Bulls' media day, LaVine said he feels pretty good at the moment and that he plans to be more aggressive this season while trying to avoid getting hurt. Per The Athletic's Darnell Mayberry:
“I did a lot of stuff this summer. I think the main thing for me this year is I wanted to attack it. But as you guys saw with a lot of videos, I did a lot in the sand to keep the impact off my body,” LaVine said.
“I want to be able to play all 82 and even more into the playoffs. It’s something I thought was really good. Because I like working out so much, but I want to be able to take the stress off my body and be fresh for the year. I feel really good. I took some time off and I was able to still get my work in.”
The high-flying guard was able to play 77 and 82 games in his first two years in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he's been riddled with injuries over the past three years. If he can stay healthy, the Bulls might have a chance of making it into the playoffs.
LaVine averaged 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists for Chicago last season.
Health is also something that Markkanen is focusing on this summer. After dealing with heart-related issues, the sharpshooting forward has never played more than 68 games in his first two years in the league.
“Obviously, I didn’t forget about working on basketball stuff,” Markkanen said. “But again, I was just trying to focus on my body. Just like Zach, my goal is to play all 82 games and be available every night. So that’s a big goal for me.”
LaVine and Markkanen are obviously the Bulls' best players, and the team's success this season will depend not only on their ability to take their game to the next level but also in their health. Another serious injury for either one of them early in the season could derail Chicago's momentum yet again.