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Chicago Bulls insider says 'All signs are pointing' to Zach LaVine eventually ending up with the Los Angeles Lakers
The Chicago Bulls are enjoying their recent string of success. With seven wins in their last ten games and more than half the season still to go, the Bulls’ resurgence has them firmly in the hunt for a spot in the NBA Playoffs.
However, the elephant in the room is the status of All-Star guard Zach LaVine. Ever since a report came out stating the Bulls’ front office’s increased openness to parting with the high-scoring wingman, the rumor mill has been swirling that LaVine could be traded before the deadline. An insider source is adding fuel to those flames as they state “all signs are pointing” to a possible move sending LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers.
A deal is imminent
According to The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry, a deal for LaVine between Chicago and Los Angeles may be “imminent,” the only hurdle is finding common ground on the assets the Bulls would receive in return for LaVine.
“All signs are pointing to these teams eventually finding common ground on a deal that works for both sides. The fit as trade partners was apparent before. But as the season has progressed, it seems imperative that they come together on a trade,” Mayberry shared.
The Bulls have been bombarded by calls inquiring about veterans DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, too. Still, the team’s focus remains moving LaVine—who is currently sidelined with a right foot inflammation—to another squad.
“LaVine would be their first choice to move. He has a massive contract that will be impossible for him to live up to as long as the Bulls are losing, and with LaVine, the Bulls have been stuck in the mud for the better part of seven seasons,” Mayberry shared.
https://x.com/BullsMuse_/status/1736936011349774602?s=20
What the Lakers are willing to offer
Jovan Buha, The Athletic’s Lakers beat writer, shared that Los Angeles may consider sending a package highlighted by point guard D’Angelo Russell and perhaps Rui Hachimura, but that may be the best they’d offer.
“For LaVine specifically, I think the Lakers would consider a D’Angelo Russell-centric deal, but I don’t think they’d throw in much more than a combination of salary filler (Rui Hachimura and/or Gabe Vincent), a young prospect (Max Christie or Jalen Hood-Schifino) and a protected pick (2029 or 2030 first rounder). The Lakers would fight to keep Hachimura and Christie, to be clear. But I see that offer on the high end of what they’d be willing to give up,” Buha explained.
