Zach LaVine didn’t hesitate when asked about how it was playing alongside DeMar DeRozan this past All-Star weekend.
“I think right now we’re the best duo in the NBA. I think we are, personally. Just where we’re at right now, obviously in the standings and the level of play that we’re at. We came into the year with people having different narratives about us and our team, and I think we [proved those wrong]. So I think we’re gonna continue to grow on that and get better.”
The duo combines for 52.7 points per game as the engine of the Chicago Bulls team tied for first place in the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat at 38-21. When DeRozan was shown LaVine’s comment, the five-time All-Star agreed with his teammate.
“I don’t see why we’re not. You know what I mean?” DeRozan said. “He’s completely right.”
LaVine continued to pour on the praise for the 32-year-old veteran from Compton.
“I’m glad to have another guy that’s been in these situations, these big-time games, where we haven’t been in that before,” LaVine said continuing to praise teammate. “He’s been to the Eastern Conference Finals and been in big moments. His calmness is something that’s always been impressive to me.”
This comment comes not even a week after DeRozan broke a record held by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain since 1963. When DeRozan scored 38 points on 16-for-27 shooting in a win against the Sacramento Kings last Wednesday, he broke Chamberlain’s record of most consecutive games, scoring 35+ points while shooting better than 50 percent from the field.
At seven games, DeRozan has a chance to extend that record when the Bulls face off against the Atlanta Hawks (28-30) on Thursday.
