LaVine confirmed what Boylen said in his exit interview from Chicago, that the two spoke following Boylen’s firing. Even if LaVine offered criticism at times of Boylen, his game undeniably grew during Boylen’s tenure as Boylen challenged him to become a better two-way player. “I look at myself as someone who is extremely professional. I reached out to him, gave him thank you and told him I hope he lands on his feet. He responded. Everything was good on the phone,” LaVine said. “At the end of the day, regardless of whatever the media narrative is, it’s tough when people get fired because this is their livelihood. I definitely just wanted to reach out to him and say a few words.”