Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G/F Talen Horton Tucker, LAL 2022 1st Round Pick, LAL 2025 1st Round Pick, LAL 2023 2nd Round Pick
Since joining the Bulls, Zach LaVine has been their best player year-in and year-out, averaging 22.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 steals and shooting 43.3% from the floor and 36.5% from three-point range. LaVine has been this organization’s only bright spot as they have won just 71 games since acquiring him as they have been rebuilding for years now.
In his fourth year now with Chicago though, the Bulls have had three straight seasons failing to eclipse 27-wins and are projected to finish near the bottom of the NBA once again. If the Bulls continue to struggle up to the trade deadline, LaVine could absolutely ask to be traded and the Lakers should try and do everything they can to land the potential All-Star.
Not only is Zach LaVine a high-level, All-Star like talent, but he is a player that the Los Angeles Lakers could trade for and keep for many years to come, far after LeBron James retires. LaVine has been a fantastic player over the years for the Chicago Bulls and was a border-line All-Star last year. In 60 games last year, LaVine averaged 25.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and shot 45% from the floor and 38% from three-point range.
Both Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would be big additions for the Bulls, as they are both guys who Chicago can utilize with their young core moving forward. Both Caldwell-Pope and Kuzma know what it takes to win and given that they are both in their 20’s still, they can be guys that can contribute for years to come.
KCP is having a career year right now, shooting over 55% from three-point range, and Kyle Kuzma has continued to improve as an offensive weapon. While his production is down in terms of his scoring numbers, Kuzma’s shooting numbers are way up this season and he has adapted to his new role very well in Los Angeles.
Both guys are experienced players and given the draft compensation Chicago receives in this trade, it is definitely not crazy to think that the Lakers could pull this trade off. The only question is if Chicago thinks this trade makes sense for them moving forward.
