“Closest Thing To Kobe In The League”: NBA Twitter Appreciates Bulls’ Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan’s Tribute to Kobe Bryant

Two years ago, the world lost Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others to a tragic helicopter crash. Even today, players and fans never fail to honor the late, great Los Angeles Lakers legend, who helped make the league what it is today. Among many tributes were those from Chicago Bulls stars Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.

Of course, both players chose to wear shoes that honored Bryant in some way. It goes without saying that fans loved the gesture, always looking out for new ways to celebrate Bryant and his love for basketball.

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Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan honor Kobe Bryant on his death-anniversary

The Chicago Bulls shared images of both DeRozan and LaVine wearing Bryant-related shoes on their social media. DeRozan chose to wear ‘USA’ Kobe 10s, which are a beautiful blue and red colorway with stars and a Nike logo on them.

LaVine, on his end, chose to wear ’81 Pt Game’ Nike Kobe 1s. The game being mentioned is Bryant’s 2006 encounter against the Toronto Raptors. LaVine’s shoes were of the same colorway and were a perfect tribute to the five-time NBA Champion.

“Zach the closest thing to Kobe in the league rn,” wrote one fan, while some wrote that they wanted the shoes for themselves. “82 cuz he’s gonna break Kobe’s record,” said another fan, the comments section full of people appreciating LaVine.

Some fans added that they still miss Bryant, and were glad LaVine and the Bulls organization pulled this off.

Many even focused on the 81-point narrative for LaVine, wondering if the young star would perform the same way Bryant had.

Furthermore, many people seemed to love the 10s DeRozan was wearing. Fans even mentioned what shoes they have, letting the Bulls and players know that they love what they have done.

Irrespective of what the result might be, LaVine and DeRozan’s efforts will always be appreciated.

Has LaVine always been a Bryant fan?

Bryant, who retired in 2016, played all of his 20 seasons with the Lakers. His impact remains years after his retirement, many young stars growing up wanting to emulate the Black Mamba. “I was the biggest Kobe fan. So, that was my guy,” LaVine once said. “Kobe was my biggest inspiration wearing number eight, that is one of the main reasons I wear it,”

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What do you think of LaVine and DeRozan’s tribute? Do you have a preferred shoe? Let us know.