The Los Angeles Lakers are a team that everyone is keeping an eye on as the NBA trade deadline nears as it feels like it is just a matter of time until they make a deal. Currently 11-16 on the season, this team needs to bolster plenty of spots on the roster.
It is tough to fathom that they are as close to being in last place as they are to a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference. The roster isn’t very good, but they are getting some nice performances from their Big 3 of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook.
James has missed some time with injuries but when on the court he is still producing solid numbers. Davis is having an MVP-caliber season while Westbrook is taking well to his role change coming off the bench.
Rob Pelinka is going to have to get creative when finding ways to upgrade this roster, especially if they are now intending to hold onto Westbrook and are still hesitant to part ways with their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. However, the perfect opportunity could arise with the Chicago Bulls as a trade partner.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Chicago is teetering on the line between pushing for a playoff spot or becoming a seller. When healthy, they are a good team that can make some noise in the Eastern Conference. The problem is, they are never healthy and they could be without Lonzo Ball the entire season. Looking at a potentially sinking ship, the Bulls may start trading pieces away to improve their future outlook.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the Lakers are keeping a close tab on how things transpire in the Windy City. Zach LaVine is someone they would have an interest in, but they could also look to swing a trade for multiple players should the opportunity arise.
“The Lakers are certainly keeping an eye trained toward the Bulls’ developments. A player like Zach LaVine would satisfy Los Angeles’ dreamiest returns for the two future first-round picks Rob Pelinka’s front office has left in its stable, although the murmured idea of flipping Russell Westbrook for Vucevic and DeRozan would appear a far more realistic outcome if Chicago does ultimately pivot from its postseason aspirations.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It would take a lot more than Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and a protected future first-round pick to land any of those three players from the Bulls. If they are going to start trading away pieces of their core, they are looking to get back some high-end assets in return, such as unprotected first-round picks.
If LaVine is actually available, he is the type of player that Pelinka would probably be willing to unload multiple first-round picks. Adding another star to the mix would make the marquee a little brighter in Los Angeles, but rounding out the roster with better depth is likely a better route to go than adding another injury-prone star to the mix.
