Career Timeline of Zach LaVine: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Zach LaVine made an impact.

Zach LaVine is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Drafted 13th overall in 2014 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, LaVine gained prominence through his athleticism and scoring ability. He is a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion and earned NBA All-Star selections in 2021 and 2022 while playing for the Chicago Bulls. LaVine's accomplishments also include winning a gold medal as a member of the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1971: Joined Bob Love

Zach LaVine started the season with at least 30 points in each of the Bulls' first three games, becoming the third Chicago player to do so, joining Bob Love in 1971.

1986: Joined Michael Jordan

Zach LaVine started the season with at least 30 points in each of the Bulls' first three games, becoming the third Chicago player to do so, joining Michael Jordan in 1986.

1988: Slam Dunk Contest

During the 2016 All-Star Weekend, The final round of the contest, which featured two tie-breakers with Aaron Gordon, drew comparisons to the contest between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins in 1988.

1997: Youngest Champion Since Kobe Bryant

In February 2015, Zach LaVine became the youngest champion since an 18-year-old Kobe Bryant in 1997.

2009: Perfect Score on Multiple Dunks

In February 2015, with a perfect 50 on each of his first two dunks, Zach LaVine was the first player since Dwight Howard in 2009 with a perfect score on multiple dunks, triumphing over future NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

June 20, 2012: Committed to UCLA

On June 20, 2012, Zach LaVine verbally committed to attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

2013: Strong start to the season

After a strong start to the 2013 season as the team's sixth man, featuring an impressive display of outside shooting and explosive dunks, the former point guard Zach LaVine evoked memories of former Bruin Russell Westbrook's UCLA beginnings.

2013: Attended UCLA

In 2013, Zach LaVine attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and played for coach Ben Howland for the 2013 season.

2013: Recognitions as a Senior

In 2013, as a senior, Zach LaVine averaged 28.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, and was named the 2013 Associated Press Washington state player of the year and Washington Mr. Basketball. He was also recognized nationally as a first-team Parade All-American.

April 16, 2014: Declared for NBA draft

On April 16, 2014, Zach LaVine declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility.

July 8, 2014: Signed with Timberwolves

On July 8, 2014, Zach LaVine signed his rookie scale contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2014: Drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves

In 2014, Zach LaVine was selected in the first round of the NBA draft with the 13th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

February 2015: Won Slam Dunk Contest

In February 2015, Zach LaVine won the Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend and also participated in the Rising Stars Challenge.

October 21, 2015: Contract Extended

On October 21, 2015, the Timberwolves exercised their third-year team option on Zach LaVine's rookie-scale contract, extending the contract through the 2016–17 season.

October 24, 2016: Contract Extended

On October 24, 2016, the Timberwolves exercised their fourth-year team option on Zach LaVine's rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2017–18 season.

2016: All-Star Weekend

During the 2016 All-Star Weekend, Zach LaVine scored 30 points for Team USA in the Rising Stars Challenge to capture MVP honors. He also became the fourth player ever to win consecutive Slam Dunk Contests.

2016: Consecutive Dunk Contest wins

In 2016, Zach LaVine became the fourth NBA player to ever win consecutive dunk contests.

2016: Joined Jimmy Butler

Zach LaVine scored 20 or more points in each of Chicago's 13 games to begin the season and in a career-high 14 straight overall, dating to his final game of 2017–18. The last Bulls player to score 20-plus points in 14 consecutive games was Jimmy Butler, who did it 15 straight times in 2016.

June 22, 2017: Traded to the Bulls

On June 22, 2017, Zach LaVine was traded to the Chicago Bulls.

2017: Traded to Chicago Bulls

In 2017, Zach LaVine was traded to the Chicago Bulls.

2017: Most games since ACL tear

In 2022, Zach LaVine appeared in his most games since his ACL tear in 2017.

2017: First Bulls player selected

On February 24, 2021, Zach LaVine was named a reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, he was the first Bulls player selected since Jimmy Butler in 2017.

2017: Scored 20 or more points

Zach LaVine scored 20 or more points in each of Chicago's 13 games to begin the season and in a career-high 14 straight overall, dating to his final game of 2017.

January 13, 2018: First game after injury

On January 13, 2018, in his first game in 11 months after recovering from injury, Zach LaVine scored 14 points in the Bulls' win over the Detroit Pistons.

July 6, 2018: Received offer sheet from the Kings

On July 6, 2018, the restricted free agent Zach LaVine received a four-year, $80 million offer sheet from the Sacramento Kings.

February 23, 2019: Career-High 42 Points

On February 23, 2019, Zach LaVine scored a then-career-high 42 points in a win over the Celtics.

November 16, 2019: LaVine scored 36 points

On November 16, 2019, Lavine scored 36 points in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

January 25, 2020: LaVine recorded 44 points

On January 25, 2020, LaVine recorded 44 points, ten rebounds and eight assists in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

February 25, 2020: LaVine scored 41 points

On February 25, 2020, LaVine again scored 41 points in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2020: Won Gold Medal

In 2020, Zach LaVine won a gold medal on the U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo.

February 24, 2021: Named All-Star Reserve

On February 24, 2021, Zach LaVine was named a reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star selection.

November 19, 2021: Season-High 36 Points

On November 19, 2021, Zach LaVine scored a season-high 36 points in a road victory over the Denver Nuggets.

2021: Named NBA All-Star

In 2021, Zach LaVine was named an NBA All-Star with the Chicago Bulls.

December 4, 2022: 41 points, eight rebounds and four steals against the Kings

On December 4, 2022, Zach LaVine recorded 41 points, eight rebounds, and four steals in a 110–101 loss against the Sacramento Kings.

2022: Named All-Star Reserve

In 2022, Zach LaVine was named a reserve for the NBA All-Star Game.

January 6, 2023: LaVine scores 41 points against the 76ers

On January 6, 2023, Zach LaVine scored 41 points on 14-of-19 shooting from the field and 11-of-13 from beyond the three-point line in a 126–112 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. That was his fourth career game with at least 40 points on 70% shooting, breaking a tie with Scottie Pippen for the second most in Bulls history.

October 28, 2023: Career-high 51 points against the Pistons

On October 28, 2023, Zach LaVine scored a career-high 51 points in a 118–102 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

November 29, 2024: Surpasses Kirk Hinrich for most three-pointers made in Bulls history

On November 29, 2024, Zach LaVine put up 29 points in a 138–129 loss to the Boston Celtics. On this day, he also achieved 1,051 three-pointers made as a Bull, surpassing Kirk Hinrich as the all-time leader in three-pointers made in Bulls franchise history.

February 3, 2025: Traded to the Sacramento Kings

On February 3, 2025, Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, three first-round draft picks and three second-round draft picks, were traded to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade also involving the San Antonio Spurs.