Zach LaVine knocks down Sacramento’s ‘Bulls West’ nickname
Zach Lavin’s return to the United Center was full of emotion and clarity. After spending eight seasons with the Chicago Bulls, the two-time All-Star guard faced his former team for the first time since being traded to Sacramento Kings last season.
Although the Bulls came out on top with a 126-113 victory, LaVine postgame comments highlighted as much as his performance.
But when asked about the growing chatter around Sacramento being referred to as “Bulls West,” a nod to the recent addition of former Bulls players, LaVine made sure to shut down that narrative.
“They are two different teams,” he explained. “Just because you have two pieces playing 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 completely different.”
“I love Chicago,” LaVine said after the game. “Through the ups and downs. This is where I grew my family. I had high points, low points. This is where I became a man.” His 30-point outing was a reminder of a player who has become one of the most electrifying scorers in Bulls history, ranking among the franchise’s top 10 all-time in points, 3-pointers and field goals.
LaVine’s remarks reflected a desire to establish Sacramento’s identity, even as the team continues to shuffle after a busy offseason. With players like DeMar DeRozan also now in purple and black, comparisons to Chicago’s old core were inevitable. But LaVine, now finding his groove alongside Dennis Schroder and Domantas Sabonis, made it clear the Kings are forging their own path.
Despite the loss, LaVine looked comfortable in his first game back on his old home court, hitting two 3-pointers and showing flashes of his signature explosiveness. The United Center crowd greeted him with cheers and nostalgia, a fitting tribute to a player who helped the Bulls through an era of transition.
For LaVine, the message was simple: Chicago is home, but Sacramento is the future.
2025-10-30 11:34:00
