Minnesota Sports Forum

Looking at his per 36 minutes a night stats. He looks to have stats close to Kobe at the same age, but Kobe had the benefit of playing on better teams.

The guy by all accounts has the drive and ability. Is it completely out of the question for him to have near Kobe like future?

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lavinza01.html

Yes.

There might not be 10 players in NBA history that were better than Kobe Bryant...


[Note: The benefit of playing on a good team... or benefit of playing on a bad team? Remember, there's an adage for "good stats on a bad team" for a reason. If a guy can put up those stats and it leads to wins, I think it's a pretty meaningful difference.]

When it comes to Zach I have seen enough that I think when people gush about a lot of his potential there is enough there to actually hope he reaches it. He actually has skills, physical ability and seems to be a good kid. Will he reach it? Idk but he isn't just a guy that was drafted high and so we are just buying in because he was #__ in the draft. He is still more potential than finished product but the promise is actually there.

I like Zach, a lot, but I think the Kobe comparison is a little foolish. Okay, a lot foolish.

I have no idea where Zach is going to end up, but his play since being moved to the 2 has been encouraging, especially on offense. He needs to keep getting physically stronger and adding some weight.

If we are talking about a team that has a core of Wiggins, KAT and Zach, then no way. But if we get 16-18 points a night (behind 20+ from KAT and Wiggins), with the ability to get 35 once in awhile and play defense, wouldn't we be thrilled?

I cant' believe how fast Zach looked last night running the floor. It looks like he is thinking less and relying on instincts more. It was great to see.

His potential seems to be somewhere between Gerald Green and Kobe. I never know what to expect with him. For about 20 games he has been trending up though. I really hope he steps up his training regimen in the summer with a prominent NBA Trainer.

I think if he bulks up some as he gets older (200-210 lbs would be ideal; he's around 190 lbs now) and adds more strength to his game, while working on his on-court skills, he could have a ceiling of Vince Carter. There just haven't been many guys with the combo of skills that he has: elite athleticism, jumper and handle. He's in rare company with his skill set.

Carter came into the league as a 22-year old and practically set the league on fire. If all goes right, LaVine will too at roughly the same age.

Zach LaVine's 11 games in 2015-16 as a starter:

18.8 PPG (46.3 FG%, 44.6 3P%, 82.9 FT%), 4.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.3 3PM per game in 32.2 MPG.