Teammates expect ‘huge’ season from Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu

The Zach LaVine stamp of approval came early for Ayo Dosunmu.

When asked about Dosunmu, who’s heading into his second season, LaVine lavished praise on him.

“It looks like he’s been in the weight room, getting his body right,’’ LaVine said. “Ayo’s as hard a worker as anybody. He’s the most inquisitive guy that I’ve met as a rookie, just trying to get ready, asking questions of me, DeMar [DeRozan], anybody. Questions about anything he can do to get better. So knowing him, he’s added things to his game. I think he’s in for a huge sophomore season.’’

First things first for Chicago’s very own. The former Morgan Park standout has to show that he can be a reliable option at point guard while Lonzo Ball (left knee surgery) is sidelined.

That audition could begin Tuesday, when the Bulls host the Pelicans at the United Center in their preseason opener.

Dosunmu, Coby White, Alex Caruso and Goran Dragic also are candidates, coach Billy Donovan said, and while that will have to play out, Dosunmu has made it clear that he’s all business.

He added seven pounds of muscle and improved his footwork and speed.

“Yeah, I feel a lot stronger,’’ Dosunmu said. “Even just those bumps out there, trying to keep my defender in front or finishing at the rim, every aspect of the game, I would say I feel a lot stronger than last year.’’

And Dosunmu wasn’t even close to done.

There was still a long list of things he wants to work on as the season ramps up.

“The stamina part, just being able to have my stamina there the whole season,’’ Dosunmu said. “And just being able to be a reliable playmaker at all times. There will be a lot of times when teams are going to key in on Zach, DeMar, [Nikola Vucevic], and I just have to be able to use my experience and grow as a player and be a reliable playmaker out there.’’

Restless nights

Dragic was on the Heat team that lost to the Lakers in the championship bubble in 2020 but was unable to play in those Finals because of a foot injury.

Several years later, he hasn’t let go of that missed opportunity.

“Every basketball player wants to win a championship, and it’s the same thing with me,’’ Dragic said. “I’ve already been close with Miami, but unfortunately I got hurt in the Finals.

‘‘To this day, I can’t sleep well because I want to be back. I still have that hunger.’’

That’s good news for a Bulls squad that welcomes veteran leadership.

“I feel healthy; I’m 36 years old,’’ Dragic said. “I’m not the youngest anymore, but I still have that passion, and that’s the most important thing.’’

Closing thoughts

Caruso won’t stress about being a starter or coming off the bench once the games start to count, but he loves to be on the court in the final minutes.

‘‘I’ve always been team-first trying to win games,’’ Caruso said.

“If that’s me starting basketball games, then that’s what we’ll do. If that’s me coming off the bench, that’s fine, too. I’ve always said, I’d rather finish games than start games.

‘‘For me, it’s just making sure I’m impacting the game the right way and having a chance to win it when it matters.’’