Kings’ Zach LaVine shoots down ‘Bulls West’ nickname

“It’s two different teams,” he explained. “Just because you have two pieces that played together, I don’t think it’s the same organization, it’s not the same timing, it’s not the same supporting cast. I think it’s totally different.”

“I love Chicago,” LaVine said after the game. “Through ups and downs. I’ve grown my family here. I’ve had major moments, low points. I became a man here.” His 30-point outing was a reminder of the player who became one of the most electric scorers in Bulls history, ranking among the franchise’s all-time top 10 in points, 3-pointers, and field goals.

LaVine’s remarks echoed a desire to establish Sacramento’s own identity, even as the team continues to mesh after a busy offseason. With players like DeMar DeRozan also now in purple and black, comparisons to Chicago’s old core have been inevitable. But LaVine, now finding his rhythm alongside Dennis Schroder and Domantas Sabonis, made it clear that the Kings are forging their own path.

Despite the loss, LaVine looked comfortable in his first game back at his old home court, hitting two threes and showing flashes of his signature explosiveness. The United Center crowd greeted him with both cheers and nostalgia, a fitting tribute to a player who helped carry the Bulls through an era of transition.

For LaVine, though, the message was simple: Chicago is home, but Sacramento is the future.