Zach LaVine talks about his slam dunk contest rivalry with Aaron Gordon: "It was something for the culture"

LaVine has nothing but the utmost respect for his fellow high-flyer, Air Gordon.

As Chicago Bulls wingman Zach LaVine and Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon shared the floor once again this past Wednesday, the topic of their iconic 2016 NBA Slam Dunk Contest rivalry came up. LaVine, then playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Gordon, then a member of the Orlando Magic, battled in an unforgettable aerial showdown where LaVine came out on top to take the crown.

Despite being a hotly contested affair, LaVine spoke warmly of that memory and Gordon, saying he was proud to have been part of it.

Close ties

People say battles often bring out the best in opponents, and that certainly seemed to be the case for LaVine and Gordon. LaVine said their relationship had grown since their memorable 2016 duel.

"I've known Aaron from before that, just growing up and playing AAU and then him going to Arizona and me going to UCLA. We're from the same draft class. We've always had a good rivalry and relationship," LaVine said. "I think the dunk contest made that bigger than what it was between us. It was really fun and something for the culture and the history."

One of the best contests ever

Prior to Mac McClung and his impressive showing in this year's event, the dunk contest caught a lot of flak for being a watered-down version of its former self. However, LaVine's and Gordon's duel was as good as it gets in contest history.

"I think the (2016) one is the best one ever as far as creativity, guys stepping up and making dunks that probably haven't been seen before and the level of competition," LaVine said.

"It was fun. I don't think either one of us knew what the other one had in store. How it unraveled with us going back and forth with these (perfect score) 50s and no misses, it was something to watch. Being a part of it, and going back and watching it now, is crazy," the Bulls' shooting guard added.