Lakers Land DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic

Chicago Bulls Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan , C Nikola Vucevic 

We said the Lakers didn’t have to trade Westbrook. We didn’t say they couldn’t. 

If the offer is right, they may want to entertain it. This offer is right – and just as importantly, it wouldn’t shock us if the Chicago Bulls offered it. 

After all, this team has had a rough 2022-23. At 9-14, they’ve fallen well short of expectations. For that reason, many expect them to be big sellers as this season wears on. 

The Lakers should be buyers. DeRozan replaces much of Westbrook’s floor spacing, only with a modicum of floor spacing in addition.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

Meanwhile, Vucevic provides this team with a boost of frontcourt spacing and can function as a tertiary playmaker as well. 

On the other hand, if the Lakers stay this hot, they may not want such a massive shakeup. Is there a smaller trade that may benefit them?