Zach LaVine Questioning Role With Bulls?

Johnson made his comments on the Bulls Talk Podcast, via Alex Sabri of ClutchPoints.

“I sourced that out,” Johnson said. “The Athletic started it, and then I did some checking. Zach’s a professional, he’s a team player, but he’s got a lot of confidence in himself. … This is not like him being jealous of (forward DeMar DeRozan). He knows how good DeMar DeRozan is.”

LaVine, 27, signed a five-year maximum contract extension in the offseason. He is averaging 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 33 appearances, just slightly off his numbers of the previous four seasons.

As a team, the Bulls have really struggled one year after returning the playoffs. Part of that can be chalked up to injuries — with LaVine missing time and point guard Lonzo Ball having been out since last January.

But there are also seem to be on-court chemistry issues. On Monday, they blew a 21-point lead to the Cavaliers and surrendered 71 points to guard Donovan Mitchell in the process.

So clearly, LaVine, DeRozan, coach Billy Donovan and the rest of the Bulls have some work to do.

For the record, it’s been reported that the Knicks are keeping a close eye on what happens with LaVine in Chicago.