The Los Angeles Lakers are running out of time to compete for championships with NBA icon LeBron James at the helm. After his time with the team ends, it appears uncertain what the team could accomplish. Making the most of what they have is important.
After coming up short against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, it’s clear that James felt a need for the Lakers to add another perimeter star to lighten the load he has to carry on the biggest stage. While Los Angeles did retain key players, it did not add such a talent.
Kyrie Irving was a name that became linked often to the Lakers, but the Dallas Mavericks ended up re-signing him to a three-year deal. Who else could they target? One name that stands out is Zach LaVine, who remains on the sputtering Chicago Bulls.
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jaxson Hayes, 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
What exactly are the Chicago Bulls doing? We’ll say it – they haven’t had a great summer. This team woefully underperformed in 2022-23. So far, they’ve done little to make improvements ahead of next season.
Last year, the Bulls had no reason to tank. They owed their first-round pick to the Orlando Magic. As a result, they handed the Magic the 11th overall pick. With that said, the Bulls control their own draft in 2023-24.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Are the Bulls going to stay the course? Do they feel like, with another year to develop chemistry, they could get better results? If they don’t, could they trade LaVine at the deadline?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Well, they’d have to wait until the deadline to do this move. The Lakers can’t trade some of these recently extended players until just before then. That might serve the Bulls well. To be fair, there is plenty of veteran talent on this squad. Perhaps they’ll click in 2023-24.
Let’s suppose that they don’t. Imagine if the Bulls are in the same position ahead of next year’s deadline as they were at this year’s. In that event, the Bulls have got to make a change.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
This feels like an appropriate one. The Bulls land some intriguing young players in Hachimura and Hayes, and a tradeable, useful player in Russell. Throw in an unprotected first-round pick and a swap, and this could be the right way for the Bulls to move on from LaVine. Should the Lakers be interested in him?
Why The Las Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Some Lakers fans might not like this deal. They’ll say that it leaves them without a point guard. Sure – depending on how you view LeBron James, that is. He’s one of the best playmakers of all time. Why do the Lakers need to get playmaking from the 1 spot?
Besides, LaVine has the chops to be a secondary playmaker. More importantly, he’s an elite shot creator. In fact, LaVine is an ideal second option behind James.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
That’s all before considering that Anthony Davis remains on the Lakers. Acquiring LaVine could allow him to focus on defense while operating as a third banana on offense. If the Lakers put this group together, we’ll know exactly what they’re doing then.
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