Chicago Bulls stud Zach LaVine knows a thing or two about being snubbed from the All-Star Game. This year will be the first time the LaVine will take part in the Game, and for his part, he has a bit of advice to impart on other players who have and continue to suffer the same fate he's been forced to endure for many years.

According to LaVine, there are so many factors involved for any player to be actually voted as an All-Star. In his mind, the Bulls star knows that being an All-Star goes far beyond the numbers you produce on a nightly basis:

“I think I earned my respect (in the NBA). You have to earn your respect in this league. It's not given,” LaVine said, via Sam Smith of NBA.com. “You play the cards you're dealt. Everybody's hand is different. Weren't drafted to a team that was top five. Put up these numbers on teams that aren't in the playoffs, it's almost like you're looked down upon for it. We have to continue to fight for your respect. Once you get it, you want to stay with it. I think the players understand that. We have to understand it's not always about individual things. That's where my mindset is. Do whatever I gotta do to help this (Bulls) team win. Individual success comes from that.”

LaVine has taken part in the All-Star festivities in the past — he's famously won the Slam Dunk Contest twice — but this is the first time he's going to be playing in the actual Game. It's a tremendous recognition for him, and LaVine hopes to make a habit out of it:

“I feel like I've played at this level for the last couple years, and sometimes you gotta breakthrough,” LaVine said. “I'm happy I'm here now; obviously, this has always been one of my goals. But it's not the end goal for me. This isn't just a pit stop. This is something I want to continue happening. I have bigger and bigger goals I want to continue to go for, team and individual.”

LaVine has absolutely paid his dues. He is now reaping the benefits of all his hard work and dedication. It may be a year or two late, but at this point, the Bulls star just grateful to be recognized as one of the Top 24 players in the entire NBA.