"Kobe was trying to dunk on everybody" - Zach LaVine snubs himself for 1992 Slam Dunk Contest runner-up in top dunkers listÂ
Two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion Zach LaVine was a guest on the Nov. 15 episode of "What an Experience" on "The WAE Show" hosted by Lonzo Ball and LiAngelo Ball. During his appearance, LaVine was asked whom he perceived were the top dunkers in NBA history.
LaVine started his list with Michael Jordan, who won the Slam Dunk Contest in back-to-back years in 1987 and 1988. Then, he went on to name Kobe Bryant, who won in 1997. Third on his list was LeBron James, who never participated in a Slam Dunk Contest in his NBA career. He would also end up as the only player on LaVine's list who is still active.
Before he could continue, LaVine was asked if Bryant was a top-five dunker.
"Oh yeah for sure," LaVine replied. "Kobe [Bryant] was trying to dunk on everybody."
He then named Vince Carter, who won the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest. LaVine finished his list by naming Shawn Kemp, who participated in four Slam Dunk Contests in his NBA career (1990,1991, 1992 and 1994) but would never be crowned champion.
LaVine has participated in two of the most captivating Slam Dunk Contests himself. He took part in the annual All-Star Weekend competition in 2015 and 2016. He took home the title in both of those years.
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Zach LaVine is once again rumored to be on the trading block
Zach LaVine is not new to hearing his name on the list of players who are being dangled in a trade. Since the Chicago Bulls failed to reach expectations when they put together the core of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Lonzo Ball, the two-time Slam Dunk Contest champ has been linked in various trade rumors.
This season is no different for LaVine as the Bulls are once again looking to ship him to another team.
The Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley said on Monday the Bulls front office is looking to trade both Zach LaVine and two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic.
Cowley said that part of the reason why LaVine and Vucevic are on the trading block this season is the 2025 NBA draft. By trading these two All-Star caliber players, the Bulls will look to increase their likelihood of landing a high lottery pick by way of losing more games for the remainder of the year.
Zach LaVine is bouncing back from last season after only playing 25 games due to a right foot injury. Last season's shortened campaign ended a five-season long streak of averaging over 20 points per game as he only put up 19.5 ppg.
This season, the explosive wingman with a reliable touch from downtown is on pace to average over 20 ppg again, having averaged 22.7 ppg in 15 games so far.