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Zach LaVine relishes watching Coby White make a name for himself in the NBA

"That's my guy. We've been through a lot these last six years we’ve been in Chicago."

Stephen Beslic

© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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Zach LaVine and Coby White have been teammates on the Chicago Bulls for five years now. The two have seen the franchise go through some success and plenty of lean years. White, in particular, has evolved through the years, going from a one-dimensional scorer to a two-way threat. And his development hasn't gone unnoticed by LaVine.

In an interview after the Bulls triumphed over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, LaVine spoke about White's growth and how impressed he is with the young guard's progress.

Incredible leap

White’s leap from unheralded backup point guard to rising star has been nothing short of remarkable. When the Bulls drafted him with the seventh overall pick in 2019, many fans and analysts were skeptical about his potential impact on the league. Fast forward four years later, and White has proven all doubters wrong, averaging 18.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.

On Wednesday, the former Tar Heel torched the Rockets for 30 points—including six triples—and eight assists. After the game, LaVine beamed like a proud older brother when discussing White's development.

“That’s my guy. We’ve been through a lot these last six years we’ve been in Chicago. To see him where he is, it’s great,” LaVine quipped.

Great vibes in Chicago right now

The win was the Bulls’ third in a row. After sitting outside of the Play-in picture for most of the season, Chicago is now in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. On Wednesday, it wasn’t only White who got into a groove but also LaVine, who had 25 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.

The two players did the most damage for the Bulls in overtime, with LaVine firing in six straight points to put Chicago ahead, 120-119, before White sank a dagger triple to put the win away.

“The vibe is great,” White said. “It’s been great. We’re in this together, win or lose.”

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Stephen Beslic
STEPHEN BESLIC

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.

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