One NBA writer has proposed that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. LaVine has been heavily linked to the Lakers since he has the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) as LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report is proposing that the Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2029 first-round pick to the Bulls for LaVine. This trade can’t happen until January 15 since Russell and Hachimura signed new deals this summer.
“LaVine, who spent his lone season of college ball at UCLA, looms as an intriguing fit for his scoring punch, shot-creation and fiery outside shooting,” Buckley wrote. “He’s also a star L.A. might have the budget to get. Should the Bulls become ready to move on—his name is already in the rumor mill—this might be enough to get a deal done.
“It isn’t an overwhelming offer (its appeal hinges largely on one’s opinion of Russell and Hachimura), but LaVine isn’t an overwhelming superstar. He has made a single playoff trip in nine NBA seasons. He’s also had knee trouble in the past and is owed an unconscionable amount of money in the future.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
For the Bulls last season, LaVine averaged 24.8 points while shooting 48.5% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc and 84.8% from the free-throw line. Chicago missed the playoffs this year, so the franchise could embark on a rebuild this offseason. LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million deal with the Bulls in July 2022. He will make $40.1 million next season.
The Bulls have internally “fluctuated” in their belief in LaVine’s consistency as a lead option for them, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. As a result, Chicago has engaged several teams on LaVine trade opportunities since the 2022-23 season ended.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LaVine has appeared in 348 games with the Bulls. He’s averaging 24.5 points with Chicago and has made two All-Star teams. However, the Bulls have won only one playoff game since acquiring LaVine from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the summer of 2017 in the blockbuster Jimmy Butler trade.
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