NEWSLETTER
After the Chicago Bulls picked up a 128-108 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Paris, Zach LaVine sat down to field questions from the media … and one very happy fan.
A youngster decked out in Bulls gear got his hands on the mic to tell LaVine he’s his idol. Choosing to wear LaVine’s number while playing with his youth team, he wanted to ask LaVine why he originally decided to go with the No. 8 upon entering the NBA.
LaVine’s response was great:
“I appreciate it first off my man,” a smiling LaVine said. “Why I wear No. 8 is because my idol was Kobe Bryant. So looking up to him, I wanted to do everything he did. Obviously, loved the number. I wore 14 in high school because of my dad and then got to the NBA and wanted to wear No. 8 because of Kobe. I looked up to Kobe and Michael as a lot of kids growing up in the 90s did. Always tried to do everything he did mindset-wise, hard work. So being in a positon where I can get someone like you idolizing me, man, it’s full circle. I appreciate it.”
At the end of the day, this is what the NBA’s trip to Paris is all about. Not only does this give them an opportunity to put more international eyes on the league and grow the game, but it gives young fans a chance to finally get a taste of the action.
We can often lose sight of just how far of a reach these players have, and I’m sure this kid is just one of many to have an experience this week that they’ll never forget.
You can catch the full video of the exchange below:
