Zach LaVine has been cleared for contact by the surgeon who repaired the torn ACL in his left knee in February.

The Chicago Bulls aren't sure when LaVine will return to game action but he's targeting mid- to late December.

“As long as I’m progressing and doing what I need to do on the court, this thing can go fast and I can be out there playing with the guys,” LaVine told reporters in Los Angeles.

The Bulls will bring LaVine along gradually over the next few weeks.

“It feels good mentally to be cleared,” LaVine told reporters. “My jumping and athleticism are good. (Bulls) training staff told (ElAttrache) that.

“All my strength numbers are there. We reiterated how I progressed (from a) muscular (standpoint). Physically, I’m more than capable (of) playing.”

“When you see him playing without hesitation, that will be an indication he’s ready,” Fred Hoiberg told reporters. “Just to watch him move and run gets you excited. You can do a lot of things with that athleticism.”