Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine has All Star goals and winning attitude

Zach LaVine has looked impressive early on in preseason play, but his attitude is focused on big things for the Chicago Bulls.

Early on this preseason, Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls have looked a little different. At the very least, fans will enjoy watching this team a whole lot more than recent years.

In LaVine’s second exhibition game, he and the Bulls were on the big stage. it was an ESPN broadcast which was supposed to be all about rookie Zion Williamson putting on a show in the city of Chicago — and he did. But, Williamson wasn’t the only one putting on a show.

LaVine came out on fire, pouring in 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting in 24 minutes. He looked ready to take the next step, attacking the hoop and drilling step-back threes. His offensive game was on full display, and LaVine looks like a guy ready to be an All Star. In fact, he knows it.

"“I had an All-Star-caliber year last year, but we had 22 wins so it got a little bit swept under the rug,” LaVine told ESPN. “But that’s how it’s supposed to be when you have 20 wins. But if I continue to play the way I’m supposed to, there’s no reason I shouldn’t be an All-Star or All-NBA type guy.”"

It’s all about winning for LaVine. He certainly has his sights set on being an All Star, which would be special this year, considering the game is being played in Chicago. But, above all else, he knows that winning is most important.

Entering his sixth year in the league (third with the Bulls), LaVine has seen his fair share of big moments. He might even find himself back in the dunk contest this year, if all goes well. He’s talked openly about that possibility, but again, he wants to keep the focus on the Bulls winning games — and that says a lot about the guy’s attitude. He’s become a leader in Chicago.

He also told ESPN that the “sky is the limit” for him, so long as his team is winning games. Everything has come within that context for the UCLA product, which is refreshing as a Bulls fan. The team has lacked a true leader over the last few years, and LaVine has taken that role on with a full head of steam.

Judging by how he has looked in preseason play so far, LaVine seems ready for his best season yet. He has the physical tools and skills to be an All Star, but the mentality and leadership have come into full bloom for the 24-year-old. It is his time.