Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine was battling knee pain for most of the season and despite missing time, he vowed to play through it and help his team make a postseason run. With free agency looming and LaVine looking to get back to tip-top shape, the Bulls guard will undergo a procedure in the next few weeks.

Via Shams:

Aside from being sidelined due to the knee injury, LaVine also was on the shelf in COVID-19 protocols, including in the first round of the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bulls stud is expected to be highly sought after this summer, but Chicago is also hoping he signs an extension.

LaVine is coming off a terrific season, averaging 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 67 contests while shooting nearly 40% from downtown. It was also his second year in a row making the All-Star Team.

The Bulls were utterly dominant in the first half of the season but things drastically changed once the new year hit, losing 15 of their final 22 games prior to the playoffs. Injuries certainly played their part, though. Lonzo Ball was out indefinitely with a knee injury of his own, while Alex Caruso also missed substantial time due to several ailments. It doesn't help that LaVine continued to play through clear discomfort, either.

With a solid core in place headlined by DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls will be feeling confident they can retain Zach LaVine as he seeks a big payday.