Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine believes Houston Rockets star James Harden is the best playground player in the NBA right now.

LaVine admits exiled Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith is pretty good in open gyms, but that Harden is the best.

“Probably James Harden because his game already fits that, but a guy that crosses guys up, does all that stuff, I mean J.R. Smith is incredible in open gyms. But I go with Harden,” LaVine told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Harden led the league in scoring again this season at 36.1 point per game. The Rockets are the fourth seed in the Western Conference standings, all thanks to Harden, who single-handedly brought Houston from the cellar of the West to the top of the standings with his stellar play.

Harden's step-back 3-pointer is one of the most lethal moves in NBA history. The reigning MVP has made plenty of defenders fall on their feet this season. Harden scored over 50 points nine times this campaign for the Rockets, including two 61-point games.

LaVine has put on some memorable performances in Seattle when he plays in pro ams during the offseason with Jamal Crawford. Bulls fans are hoping LaVine can replicate what Harden does in NBA games next season.