As the Los Angeles Lakers look to bolster their roster for another NBA championship run, they are eyeing a potential trade to acquire shooting guard Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls.
Although this move is not the top choice among Lakers fans who have their sights set on higher-profile targets like Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young, it presents a practical alternative should those efforts not materialize.
The proposed trade, detailed by Bleacher Report, would send point guards D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent, along with forward Jarred Vanderbilt, to Chicago in exchange for LaVine. Despite LaVine’s recent injury concerns and the substantial three-year, $138 million contract he carries, his scoring ability remains appealing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LaVine could complement stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, might provide the Lakers with the additional firepower needed, offering another player capable of averaging 25 points per game.
From the Lakers’ perspective, this trade would not only bolster their scoring options but also preserve valuable assets. The team would not have to relinquish any future first-round picks or rising star Austin Reaves, maintaining a core that includes James, Davis, LaVine, Reaves, and Rui Hachimura.
Furthermore, the Lakers would retain three future first-round picks (either 2024 or 2025 along with 2029 and 2031) and some promising young talent, keeping open the possibility of adding another star.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
For the Bulls, the trade could serve as a strategic pivot. With LaVine’s recent injuries and hefty contract making him a challenging asset to move, acquiring Russell, Vincent, and Vanderbilt—three starters or key role players with salaries under $20 million—could offer Chicago significantly more flexibility. This flexibility would be beneficial regardless of whether the Bulls decide to rebuild or retool their roster around other core players.
The deal hinges on Russell opting into his $18.7 million player option, which would be necessary to facilitate the trade. Meanwhile, both Vincent and Vanderbilt, who have struggled with injuries throughout the season, would need to prove their health and value to make this trade appealing to the Bulls.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
This potential trade reflects a realistic repositioning for both teams. For the Lakers, acquiring LaVine would inject proven scoring prowess and star power into their lineup without sacrificing their future asset base. For the Bulls, the deal offers a chance to reset, gaining flexibility and potentially setting the stage for a new direction.
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