Chicago Bulls Injury Report (Jan. 19): Latest on Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball's status

Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball find themselves on the Chicago Bulls injury list ahead of their Sunday skirmish against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. The wing and the guard join a list of role players in the NBA's updated injury sheet. While LaVine is still expected to suit up after being listed as probable with right patella tendonitis, Ball has been listed as questionable with a right quadriceps contusion.

Both players turned out for Chicago's last game against the Hornets with LaVine scoring 19 points. The forward had six rebounds and eight assists while Ball came off the bench for six points, three boards, and as many assists. However, the Bulls lost the game 125-123 despite Nikola Vucevic's 40-point double-double coupled with 13 rebounds. The loss now sees the Bulls on a four-game losing skid.

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ESPN proposes blockbuster Zach LaVine trade to the Golden State Warriors

ESPN's Chris Herring suggested a mock trade that would send Zach LaVine to the Golden State Warriors. The move does not involve Jonathan Kuminga but throws in a couple of wings and a first-round pick as a deal sweetener.

Herring proposed an idea that sent forward Andrew Wiggins, guard Gary Payton II, veteran center Kevon Looney, and the Warriors 2026 first-round pick. In return, the Bulls would send their All-Star guard to the Bay Area side.

A healthy LaVine has shown what he is capable of this season averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists even as the Bulls continue to toggle between mid and promising. His offense supercharges the Warriors which has been solely dependent on Steph Curry. The 11-year veteran can be of solid assistance to the 4x NBA champion who despite his 22.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game has the Warriors struggling.

LaVine has been linked to the Warriors well ahead of the start of the season, but the franchise made moves by adding sharpshooter Buddy Hield and a string of role players. The move though has yielded mixed results with the Warriors' offense and inconsistency putting them in dire straits. For now, Zach LaVine remains a Bull, but only time will tell if he finds a new home by the end of the deadline.