CHICAGO (AP) Zach LaVine has been cleared medically to participate in All-Star festivities this weekend in Cleveland and return to the Chicago Bulls’ lineup after the break.
LaVine got the OK after having his left knee drained and a lubricant injected in Los Angeles, coach Billy Donovan said Wednesday. He can resume activities after about 48 hours.
”I think right now the doctors feel totally fine with him resuming playing,” Donovan said. ”I think Zach felt very, very good about the meeting, felt like it went really well just based on some of the interventions, some of the things they did during his visit with the doctor.”
LaVine’s participation in Cleveland might be limited based on what team medical personnel and the doctors in Los Angeles decide.
”I don’t think Zach has any expectation to try to go to an All-Star game and try to play 30 minutes,” Donovan said. ”But certainly, it’s a great honor for him.”
LaVine was selected for his second All-Star Game when the reserves were announced Feb. 3. He also is scheduled to participate in the 3-point contest.
LaVine missed his third game in a row when Chicago hosted Sacramento on Wednesday. The Bulls’ next game is Feb. 24, when they host Atlanta.
LaVine has played a huge role in Chicago’s rise this season, averaging 24.6 points. The Bulls were tied with Miami for the Eastern Conference lead with a 37-21 record and four straight wins entering Wednesday’s game.
LaVine was selected by Minnesota with the No. 13 pick in the 2014 draft. He was traded to Chicago in June 2017.
LaVine’s last season in Minnesota was cut short when he hurt his left knee during a loss at Detroit. He had his ACL repaired by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Feb. 14, 2017.
Donovan said he expected Alex Caruso to start dribbling and shooting in a week to 10 days. The veteran guard is recovering from surgery to repair a broken right wrist after he was taken down by Milwaukee’s Grayson Allen on Jan. 21.
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