CHICAGO _ Let's check in on how things are going for the Bulls during NBA All-Star Weekend... oh.
During an appearance Friday on ESPN's "First Take," Zach LaVine was asked if he had confidence team vice president of basketball operations John Paxson can build a winning team around the Bulls guard.
Before LaVine could answer, Bulls fans attending the live show at Navy Pier erupted with jeers and a "Fire GarPax" chant, alluding to Paxson and general manager Gar Forman.
Of course, "Fire GarPax" has been a rallying cry for Bulls fans for years now, reaching online petitions and billboards.
Meanwhile, Bulls COO Michael Reinsdorf told the Tribune last March criticism of Paxson and Forman "perplexes" him.
"We believe they've done a great job," Reinsdorf said at the time. "I know that in this market, with some of our fans and some in the media, they look at it differently. That perplexes me."
As for LaVine's answer _ which was interrupted by chuckles at the chant _ it was pretty standard.
"They might speak differently, man, but I'm with the team," he said. "I've got to put the team first."
LaVine then paused, laughing: "They're terrible, man," he said of the fan reaction.
"I've got to put the team first but it's just the situation we're in right now."
LaVine is the only Bulls representative at All-Star festivities and will take part in Saturday night's 3-Point Contest. No Bulls players were named to the All-Star team.
