Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine is traveling to Los Angeles to get further evaluation on his left knee but still hopes to participate in next Sunday's All-Star Game.
Coach Billy Donovan confirmed the follow-up tests ahead of the Bulls' game against the Spurs on Monday night.
LaVine has been experiencing discomfort in the knee for several weeks, and although a January MRI showed no structural damage, there's certainly a level of concern within the organization, sources previously told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
"He swells after games sometimes, and sometimes he doesn't,'' Donovan said. "So I think getting to the bottom of some of that stuff, you know, they've obviously done imaging. He is cleared to play. There is discomfort there. He doesn't feel great. It's really kind of just depends.''
LaVine was chosen to the second All-Star Game in his career and is averaging 24.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists so far this season. LaVine and Bulls teammate (and fellow All-Star) DeMar DeRozan have been the league's highest-scoring team duo this season, averaging 52.3 points, according to ESPN's Stats & Information.
LaVine appeared to struggle through Friday's victory over Minnesota, shooting 5-of-14 and noticeably wincing on the floor. LaVine sat out Saturday's victory over Oklahoma City, and he missed consecutive games against Indiana and Philadelphia on Feb. 4 and 6. He missed Monday's game and also will sit out Wednesday's contest ahead of the All-Star break.
The Bulls are withstanding numerous injuries to the backcourt this season, including Lonzo Ball (meniscus tear) and Alex Caruso (fractured wrist), who are out several weeks after undergoing surgery. The team also lost forward Patrick Williams to a wrist injury early in the season, although he's expected to return this year.
ESPN NBA reporter Jamal Collier contributed to this report.
