A book that always resonated with me, especially with the passing of Kobe, "The Mamba Mentality" book. I definitely have read through that a couple of times.
What Zach's Reading: The Mamba Mentality
"I think I've gotten better each and every year and I continue to grow my game. If you have the confidence in yourself to see yourself at a certain level, and you have a goal set, you strive for those things. That hasn't stopped. I'll continue to do it. I just want to be the best version of myself, and when it's all said and done, have no regrets and reach those milestones and goals I put out for myself."
ON GOALS
Z ach L aV ine
Zach LaVine wasn’t going to settle for the career everyone thought he’d have. He wasn’t going to be confined by any lack of imagination when it came to what he could do on and off the court. Instead, he went to work, flipping the narrative. He wouldn’t just be a freakishly talented natural athlete and jaw-dropping dunker. He’d hit the gym, developing a reputation as a ridiculously committed worker, expanding his game on both sides of the ball. And while he’s come so far, claiming Olympic glory, NBA All-Star bonafides, and a max contract with the Bulls after leading them back to the postseason, he’s not done yet.
This is Zach LaVine’s icon era. The moment when it all starts to pay off. That means building on personal and team successes, but it also means stepping into his own as one of the game’s most exciting and recognizable faces. That means embracing all the trappings that come with that while still staying grounded; seeing the world, embracing luxury, and putting his mark on NBA-style culture with a signature shoe. But it also means continuing to try and learn from legends while still finding time to decompress.
Dime had the chance to talk with LaVine recently about all of that, his offseason travels, his training philosophies, and a few of his favorite things. This is , an exploration of the gear, hobbies, movies, games, and music that drive some of basketball's most compelling talents.
On Tunnel Style
"I feel like fashion in the NBA, with athletes and culture, has all started blending together, and it's pretty much at the highest point it's ever been, in my opinion. From guys wearing suits to shorts with T-shirts, and chains and hats, it's really just showing your personality. For me, as I said, I play in some cold cities, so sometimes it's about being warm, and then sometimes it's about showing off a little bit. I feel like, big games, you try to wear something nice. That's how you're feeling. If you dress good, you play good. And other times, you want something chill and relaxed to be just comfortable."
Zach's Style Pick: King C Gillette Style Master Trimmer
When I’m on the road I can’t always get to the barber so this is the next best thing.
On Accessories
"I used to be really big into jewelry, with different chains and things like that. I got a little bit away from that. I usually wear my earrings and I try to keep my watches. "
What Zach's Wearing: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
I have three or four different watches I have in rotation right now: a Rolex, an AP – as I get closer and closer with Audemars, I think that's my favorite watch.
On Signing
With New Balance
"I signed with them last year around All-Star break, and I'm actually in the process of going through some mock-ups of different custom shoes and clothing pieces. It's cool for me because it's the first time I've gone through that, being able to try to show a creative side of myself, and give my ideas to people who are in the fashion realm and designing clothes and shoes.
It's really fun, being able to have that type of partnership to show my personality, not just on the court, off the court, but in the things I wear as well."
Zach's Sneaker Pick: New Balance Two WXY Basketball Shoe
They come with a lot of things that allow me to be very creative with my brand, my shoes, and the things I wear, with some creative design on there.
On Superstitions and rituals
"I'm not a very superstitious person. If I have a 40-point night, I'll change my shoes the next day, or if I have a bad night, I won't go change or anything like that, or wear the same clothes and do the same routine. I got a shooting routine. I take a nap before the game. That might be about it. My good luck charm is the work I put in."
What Zach's Listening To : Future, Chief Keef, Polo G
Sometimes before games, I listen to '90s R&B and things like that. Or if I'm working out, I'll listen to more hip-hop, rap-type things.
On Hobbies
"My dad played professional football, and he actually collected a good amount of cards. I had a whole garbage bag full of cards. I was never big into collecting them, but I want to go back and see what cards my dad passed on to me from that age. Because going and finding a Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey, Jr, or Bo Jackson rookie card would be kind of cool."
What Zach's Playing: 2K Golf, Call Of Duty, Destiny
I definitely keep a gaming laptop with me. I play Call Of Duty, Destiny, 2K Golf – I'm really big into golf right now.
On Getting Into Wine
"Ever since I went to the Olympics, we were all almost confined in a bubble, sitting, drinking, playing cards, and I really learned about it then, with the guys. I got into it over the last couple of years, collecting and learning more and more about it. Me and my mom went out to Napa earlier this summer, learned some more, and went and saw some vineyards and had a lot of fun."
On Travel
"Usually, when I take a vacation, I'll go to Mexico or Florida, something like that. I usually try to go somewhere sunny where you see the beach or water. I see enough [of] cities, so it's definitely relaxing. But I just got back from Venice, Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. It was completely different than what I expected. That was a little bit outside of my norm. I think it definitely broadened my experience and made me want to do some more things like that."
What Zach's Watching: War Movies
I love historical films. I love war movies. My favorite movie ever is Saving Private Ryan. I've watched Band of Brothers four times. But also Game of Thrones, Mind Hunters, and Peaky Blinders.
Zach's Wine Pick: Harlan Estate - Quintarelli Giuseppe
I love wine. Investing in it. Setting up my wine room in my cellar is something I'm definitely trying to do.
A book that always resonated with me, especially with the passing of Kobe, "The Mamba Mentality" book. I definitely have read through that a couple of times.
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Photo by Darrell Ann
PRESENTS
Zach LaVine wasn’t going to settle for the career everyone thought he’d have. He wasn’t going to be confined by any lack of imagination when it came to what he could do on and off the court. Instead, he went to work, flipping the narrative. He wouldn’t just be a freakishly talented natural athlete and jaw-dropping dunker. He’d hit the gym, developing a reputation as a ridiculously committed worker, expanding his game on both sides of the ball. And while he’s come so far, claiming Olympic glory, NBA All-Star bonafides, and a max contract with the Bulls after leading them back to the postseason, he’s not done yet.
This is Zach LaVine’s icon era. The moment when it all starts to pay off. That means building on personal and team successes, but it also means stepping to his own as one of the game’s most exciting and recognizable faces. That means embracing all the trappings that come with that while still staying grounded; seeing the world, embracing luxury, and putting his mark on NBA-style culture with a signature shoe. But it also means continuing to try and learn from legends while still finding time to decompress.
Dime had the chance to talk with LaVine recently about all of that, his offseason travels, his training philosophies, and a few of his favorite things.
This is The Bag, an exploration of the gear, hobbies, movies, games, and music that drive some of basketball's most compelling talents.
The Bag
By Jason Tabrys
By Jason Tabrys
