Chicago Bulls' US small forward Zach LaVine runs with the ball during the 2023 NBA Paris Games basketball match between Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls at the Arena stadium in Paris on January 19, 2023. LaVine will undergo season-ending right foot surgery and be sidelined for four to six months. -AFP/Anne-Christine POUJOULAT
Chicago Bulls' US small forward Zach LaVine runs with the ball during the 2023 NBA Paris Games basketball match between Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls at the Arena stadium in Paris on January 19, 2023. LaVine will undergo season-ending right foot surgery and be sidelined for four to six months. -AFP/Anne-Christine POUJOULAT

CHICAGO: Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine will undergo season-ending right foot surgery and be sidelined for four to six months, the NBA club announced on Saturday.

After seeking additional medical opinions, in consultation with the Bulls trainers and medical staff, LaVine and his representatives at Klutch Sports Group decided on surgery to hasten his recovery, the Bulls said.

Surgery is anticipated to take place next week and he is expected to be ready ahead of the training camp for next season.

LaVine, a two-time NBA All-Star and member of the Tokyo Olympic US gold medal squad, has missed Chicago's past six games after being out for more than a month earlier this season with right foot soreness.

LaVine has averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game over 25 contests this season for the Bulls, who, at 23-26 rank ninth in the Eastern Conference.

The 28-year-old American is in his 10th NBA campaign and seventh season with Chicago. --AFP