Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine and forward Lauri Markkanen have both decided to keep their jersey numbers to honor Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Some players around the league who wear No. 8 have changed their numbers for Kobe, but LaVine will honor him by keeping his number. Likewise, Markkanen is going to keep No. 24 and play for Bryant:
Lauri Markkanen said he considered switching No. 24 but decided wearing it also is a way to honor Kobe. So he’s staying with it “to keep his number alive.” Markkanen said if had changed, it would’ve been No. 44, which his Dad wore at Kansas and Mirotic had when he arrived.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 29, 2020
Zach LaVine is warming up and will offer context later but he also isn’t changing his No. 8.
Given how much he idolized Bryant, assume it’s to honor him by wearing.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 29, 2020
Unfortunately for Bulls fans, they won't be seeing Markkanen on the court for a while. He underwent an MRI of his right hip on Jan. 23 in Chicago and it revealed an early stress reaction of his right pelvis. Following a period of rest, Markkanen will resume basketball-related activities with a full return anticipated in 4-6 weeks.
According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, the Bulls’ decision to shut down Markkanen is largely precautionary.
Markkanen has appeared in 46 games for the Bulls this season. He’s averaging 15.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 42.4 percent from the field, 34.4 percent from beyond the arc and 82.6 percent from the free-throw line.
Markkanen has been fairly inconsistent this season. Before the season started, the Bulls were counting on Markkanen and LaVine to be a lethal dynamic duo in order to lead the team back to the playoffs. Chicago hasn’t made the postseason since 2017, the final year of the Jimmy Butler era.
With Markkanen out, LaVine will have to take his game to the next level on the offensive side of the ball for Chicago to stay afloat and remain alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race. LaVine is putting up 25.2 points per game on the season at the moment.
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