Labeouf, 28, likes the 50-year-old actor's involvement with global causes and wants to follow his path, reported OK! magazine.
"Brad's involvement with global causes is something that Shia admires. Shia wants to show people that he's more than an entitled Hollywood punk. He's actually a down-to-earth guy who's been through a lot - and he's still aiming to come out on top," a source said.
The troubled star, who was arrested earlier this year for disorderly conduct and was later admitted to rehab for alcoholism, is determined to overhaul his image.