Zach LaVine on His First Introduction With Michael Jordan: “As A Kid, That’s The Best Combination You Can Get”

All NBA players have been affected by Jordan at some point in their lives. He has been an inspiration to each and every basketball player growing up in the 90s. Zach LaVine, currently playing for the Bulls, is one of those players who has been impacted by Jordan in a huge way. However, his love for Jordan did not come from his basketball game.

LaVine recently engaged in a conversation with Draymond Green on “The Draymond Green Show“. In the podcast, LaVine explained how Jordan was a big influence on him. However, LaVine’s love for Jordan did not come out of Jordan’s on-court performances.

LaVine revealed that the main reason he loved Jordan was because of his main role in Space Jam. LaVine went on to say, “When I was younger, just watching Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan together, I think as a kid that’s the best combination you can get.”

For all kids that love basketball and cartoons, Jordan and Bugs Bunny was definitely a top-tier and elite combination. LaVine saw the movie when he was about five years old. He soon fell in love with the sport and shaped his basketball skills with the help of his father.

LaVine played college basketball with UCLA before being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was the 13th pick in the 2014 draft. After three seasons with the Timberwolves, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2017.

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Zach LaVine’s career in the Bulls

Zach LaVine was still growing as a player when he joined the Bulls. He did not have much of an impact on the team, as the depth of the roster was not that great. He had exceptional performances, but the team never performed. Hence, they lost a lot of games.

LaVine had his breakout season in 2019 with the Bulls. It was then that he got selected to the All-Star team for the first time.

Currently, the Bulls are performing extremely well. LaVine is averaging 24.9 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. LaVine is flourishing under the leadership of DeMar DeRozan. Their team has solidified their position in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29-17.

Michael Jordan has been the greatest Shooting Guard ever. He has created a legacy in the Bulls organization. Therefore, it is true that LaVine will always be compared to Jordan, LaVine has big shoes to fill. Being a Shooting Guard for the Bulls is a huge responsibility. Carrying on Jordan’s legacy is an extremely tough task.

LaVine has been doing everything he can to maximize the Bulls’ potential. He has been successful this season due to support from a deep bench and other players like Lonzo, Vucevic, and DeRozan.

Earlier this season, LaVine broke Jordan’s record for most 3-pointers in the Bulls franchise.

Regardless, LaVine is a huge admirer of Jordan. He realizes that he has some big shoes to fill in Chicago.

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