Zach LaVine knows the significance of a Bull participating in All-Star weekend in Chicago.
"I feel like I should do something during All-Star weekend, if it’s the game, 3-point contest, dunk contest, something," he said in December.
Though LaVine wasn't tapped to be a reserve in the All-Star game itself, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Chicago Bulls Insider K.C. Johnson that LaVine plans to participate in the 3-point contest during All-Star weekend. Shams Charania of The Athletic first reported the news.
LaVine's decision also comes on the heels of Coby White being left off the Team USA roster for the Rising Stars Challenge. It's not what Bulls fans envisioned at the start of the season, but now, at least one member of the hometown team will be participating in an on-court event at All-Star weekend.
LaVine's prowess from long-range has been one of the bright spots in an underachieving season for the Bulls. Through 52 games, LaVine is shooting 37.6% from deep on 7.9 attempts per contest. And on a nightly basis, he's a threat to erupt:
If LaVine takes home the crown this year, he'll be the third Bull to do so, and the first since Steve Kerr in 1997 (years earlier, Craig Hodges fittingly three-peated from 1990-1992). LaVine would also be the first player in NBA history to win both the dunk contest and 3-point contest in his career — a nugget you can be sure he's aware of.
NBA
Per Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports, Buddy Hield, Trae Young and Damian Lillard have all already accepted invitations to participate. The competition is stiff, but the city of Chicago will be behind LaVine in full force.
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