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 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014, LaVine quickly gained recognition for his athleticism, particularly as a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion. His career reached new heights with the Chicago Bulls, where he earned NBA All-Star selections in 2021 and 2022, showcasing his scoring prowess and all-around game. He further cemented his status as an elite player by winning a gold medal as a member of the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: Strong Start to Season

Zach LaVine had a strong start to the 2013-14 season as the team's sixth man, showing outside shooting and explosive dunks.

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 Rookie Contract

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

2014: Drafted into NBA

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, becoming the youngest champion since 1997.

October 21, 2015: Contract Extended

On October 21, 2015, the Timberwolves exercised their third-year team option on 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 LaVine's rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2017–18 season.

2016: All-Star Weekend MVP

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 Slam Dunk Contest

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

June 22, 2017: Trade to Chicago Bulls

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

2017: Trade to Chicago Bulls

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

2017: End of 2017-18 Season

Zach LaVine's final game of the 2017-18 season.

January 13, 2018: First Game After Injury

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

July 6, 2018: Offer Sheet from Kings

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

February 23, 2019: Career-High Points

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

November 16, 2019: 36 Points Against Nets

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

January 25, 2020: 44 Points, Ten Rebounds, Eight Assists

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

February 25, 2020: 41 Points Against Thunder

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

2020: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Zach LaVine won a gold medal as part of 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.

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: NBA All-Star Selection

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

2021: LaVine Wins Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA

In 2021, Zach LaVine was selected for Team USA at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (postponed due to COVID-19). He played as the team's sixth man, averaging 10.6 points per game, and contributed with assists, defense, and three-point shooting. LaVine and Team USA won the Olympic gold medal in men's basketball.

December 4, 2022: LaVine Records 41 Points in Loss to Kings

On December 4, 2022, Zach LaVine scored 41 points, secured eight rebounds, and made 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 76ers

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

October 28, 2023: LaVine Scores Career-High 51 Points

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

February 2024: LaVine to Undergo Season-Ending Foot Surgery

In February 2024, the Chicago Bulls announced that Zach LaVine would undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot as the next step in his recovery process.

November 29, 2024: LaVine Surpasses Hinrich as Bulls All-Time Leader in Three-Pointers

On November 29, 2024, Zach LaVine scored 29 points in a 138–129 loss to the Boston Celtics. 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: LaVine Traded to the Sacramento Kings

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