Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine just channeled his inner-Michael Jordan, playing another game through the flu against MJ's Charlotte Hornets. After being trolled on social media Utah Jazz veteran Rudy Gay for a ‘flu game' photo with DeMar DeRozan, LaVine ended up catching the flu and was questionable to play against the Hornets on Monday night.
But, as Jordan did with the 1997 Bulls, LaVine managed to suit up against MJ's team and gave it his all. LaVine started for Chicago and played 35 minutes, dropping 25 points, six boards, and five dimes to help his team come out with an impressive 133-119 win over LaMelo Ball and the visiting Hornets.
“Physically, you could tell he was sick,” Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said after the win (via KC Johnson of NBCS Chicago). “His eyes were all bloodshot. I give him a lot of credit.”
LaVine has been having another incredible season as one of the Bulls' main options on offense. After an All-Star year last season, the 26-year old has been once again at the forefront of Chicago's attack averaging 25.3 points per game this season. And, the difference is, he's had a ton of new recruits to help him push this team forward this season. With the arrival of guys like DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso, the air has changed in the Windy City as the Bulls find themselves at the second spot of the Eastern Conference early into the '21-22 NBA Season.
Flu or no flu, LaVine has been balling in his fifth season in Chicago as the Bulls look to be legitimate contenders this season.