"Little white dude guarding me": Bulls' Zach LaVine recalls his side of Cooper Kupp's viral story

A story about Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine playing against Cooper Kupp went viral in January 2022. The LA Rams wide receiver recently told a story about how he held LaVine to only four points when they played against each other in high school. On Wednesday, the Bulls star recalled playing against Kupp ahead of their NBA season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.

LaVine didn't deny any of Kupp's claims regarding their story and acknowledged that his team didn't have the best game. The swingman told reporters that the current NFL star and his team didn't hold back as it increased the intensity on the defensive end.

"So, they whooped our a**," LaVine said. "Kupp is from the Tri-Cities. I think he's a year older than me. So, he was a senior. They had the best team that year, and they ended up winning the state championship. We played them in the first round of state.

"At the time, I had no idea who he was. Little white dude guarding me. They straight kicked our ass. I don't think anybody on their team had over 15 points, but they all had at least 10. They doubled me. Cooper Kupp was picking me up full court. I ain't have a good game. I think I only have like, 18 or 20. But they got it."

One of the reporters corrected LaVine. The reporter told the star that Kupp mentioned the basketball star only had 14 points, getting just four points when the football star was his defender.

"Look, whatever it was, I didn't play well. He can say whatever he wants," LaVine said.

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Zach LaVine wants the Bulls to surprise people this season

The Bulls lost a few of their key players over the summer.

All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan joined the Sacramento Kings. DeRozan was one of the team's top scorers over the past three seasons. Without him, Zach LaVine will take on more responsibilities in scoring the basketball.

Chicago also saw veteran center Andre Drummond return to Philadelphia. Drummond was a valued center off the bench who dominated the boards for Chicago in the last two seasons.

Finally, following the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, Alex Caruso was traded to the OKC Thunder for Josh Giddey. Caruso was a fan favorite because of his essential defensive presence.

Ahead of the new season, LaVine sent a strong message to reporters on Wednesday.

"I think everybody wants to have some little bit of a chip on their shoulder," LaVine said. "Coming out here, everybody starts 0-0. Who’s to say we can’t come out here and surprise some people? We’ve done it in the past."

After not making the postseason the last two years, the Bulls are determined to have a strong year.