Kobe Bryant Was My Biggest Inspiration, Says Zach LaVine
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Kobe Bryant inspired a whole generation of NBA players growing up. One of those players was Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine. LaVine was recently a guest on All The Smoke.
During that appearance, LaVine was asked who he grew up rooting for, he would reply Kobe.
“I was the biggest Kobe fan. So, that was my guy. My dad was my biggest idol and who I looked up to, but Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant were the guys I wanted to be like. Kobe was my biggest inspiration wearing number eight, that is one of the main reasons I wear it,” said LaVine.
LaVine earned his first career All-Star selection as a member of the Chicago Bulls. The Washington State native has been ballin’ this season for the Bulls. Averaging 28.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game through 34 games.
His play this season has also has his name being mentioned in various trade rumors with the Bulls currently in ninth place in the east. As the standings current sit, they are in striking distance in the eastern conference for a playoff spot. However, If the season ended today they would have to play their way in against the Toronto Raptors.
Over the weekend, in his pregame interview for All-Star weekend, LaVine state that he is looking to make the playoffs and wants to be an all-NBA player. Over the weekend, he crossed one of his goals off the list, playing in his first All-Star Game. Hopefully, he can achieve another by leading the Bulls to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
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