Los Angeles Lakers
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Zach LaVine, F Derrick Jones Jr.
You knew this was coming.
The Chicago Bulls aren’t the only team falling short of expectations At 13-17, the Los Angeles Lakers look like they need a shakeup as well.
They also have less incentive to tank than the Bulls. Chicago owes its first-round pick in the upcoming draft to the Orlando Magic – with top four protection. They could justify gambling on their odds of keeping that pick.
The Lakers owe swap rights to the New Orleans Pelicans. They won’t be in the lottery, so the Lakers ought to do whatever they can to ensure that they aren’t either. Adding LaVine, a lethal off-ball threat who can also create his own shot, ought to help with that goal.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, launching a rebuild with a pick potentially outgoing is never optimal. When you’re getting assets this valuable, it may not matter. These Lakers picks will be among the most coveted assets in the league.
Realistically, draft capital ought to be Chicago’s priority at the moment.
