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. Drafted 13th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014, LaVine is known for his athleticism and scoring ability. He gained prominence as a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion. He earned two NBA All-Star selections while playing for the Chicago Bulls in 2021 and 2022. Further solidifying his achievements, LaVine secured a gold medal as part of the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: Strong start at UCLA

In 2013, Zach LaVine had a strong start to his season at UCLA as the team's sixth man, displaying impressive outside shooting and dunks. He was compared to Russell Westbrook and was highly ranked for the NBA draft.

April 16, 2014: Declared for the 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, officially beginning his NBA career.

2014: Selected in the NBA Draft

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: Timberwolves Exercised Team Option

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.

March 2016: LaVine guest stars on Kirby Buckets

In March 2016, Zach LaVine guest-starred in an episode of the Disney XD television series Kirby Buckets.

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October 24, 2016: Timberwolves Exercised Team Option

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: Rising Stars Challenge MVP and Consecutive Slam Dunk Contest Win

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

2016: Won Consecutive Dunk Contests

In 2016, Zach LaVine became the fourth NBA player to ever win consecutive dunk contests, showcasing his athleticism and skill.

June 22, 2017: Traded to Chicago Bulls

On June 22, 2017, Zach LaVine was traded to the Chicago Bulls along with Kris Dunn and the rights to Lauri Markkanen in exchange for Jimmy Butler and the rights to Justin Patton.

2017: Traded to the Chicago Bulls

In 2017, Zach LaVine was traded to the Chicago Bulls, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.

January 13, 2018: First Game After Injury

On January 13, 2018, Zach LaVine scored 14 points in his first game back after being sidelined for 11 months due to injury, helping the Bulls win against the Detroit Pistons.

July 6, 2018: Received Offer Sheet from Sacramento 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: Scored Career-High 42 Points

On February 23, 2019, Zach LaVine scored a then-career-high 42 points in a 126–116 win over the Celtics.

November 16, 2019: Scored 36 points in loss to the Nets

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

January 25, 2020: Recorded 44 points, ten rebounds and eight assists

On January 25, 2020, Zach LaVine recorded 44 points, ten rebounds and eight assists in a 118–106 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

February 25, 2020: Scored 41 points against the Thunder

On February 25, 2020, Zach LaVine again scored 41 points in a 124–122 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2020: Won Gold Medal at Tokyo Olympics

In 2020, Zach LaVine won a gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic team at the Tokyo Olympics.

February 24, 2021: Named NBA All-Star

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: Scored season-high 36 points

On November 19, 2021, Zach LaVine scored a season-high 36 points in a 114–108 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, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2021: LaVine wins Olympic gold medal

In 2021, Zach LaVine was selected as one of the players on Team USA at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, which was postponed to 2021 due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic. He started one game and played primarily as the team's sixth man, averaging 10.6 points per game. Prior to the gold medal game, he was second in assists, playing solid defense and was shooting a team-best 47% from three-point range. LaVine and Team USA won the Olympic gold medal in men's basketball.

December 4, 2022: LaVine scores 41 points

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

2022: Named NBA All-Star

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

2022: Named NBA All-Star for the Second Time

In 2022, Zach LaVine was named an NBA All-Star with the Chicago Bulls for the second time.

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

On January 6, 2023, Zach LaVine scored 41 points, shooting 14-of-19 from the field and 11-of-13 from beyond the three-point line, in a 126–112 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. This was 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 scored a career-high 51 points in a 118–102 loss to 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 a next step in his recovery process.

November 29, 2024: LaVine becomes 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. 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: LaVine 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.