© Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN report reveals a Zach LaVine trade to the Los Angeles Lakers won't happen as the team is looking for a solid point guard
Los Angeles Lakers fans dreaming of Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine wearing the purple and gold can wake up now as the latest report from ESPN details that a deal of such nature won’t be happening.
The Lakers focused on acquiring a point guard
According to NBA insider Dave McMenamin, the Lakers don’t have LaVine on their radar as the trade deadline of February 8 nears. This is because the team’s front office is currently prioritizing bringing in a solid point guard.
"I'm told that's not happening," McMenamin said on SportsCenter.
"Laker fans, if you're thinking about the UCLA Bruin coming back to Los Angeles to help this team, don't count on it.”
The Lakers looking for a point guard makes more sense, as the team has long been needing a dependable court general who can orchestrate the offense and set up plays for their superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Current starter D'Angelo Russell is posting 15.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, but the Lakers remain in 10th place in the Western Conference with an even 21-21 record—not what was expected for a team with James and Davis leading the way.
The search continues for the Bulls
For the Bulls, the search for a suitable trade partner continues. It’s no secret Chicago wants to unload LaVine and his hefty contract to try and retool a roster that has underachieved in the last season and a half. The former All-Star is posting solid averages of 20.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
However, what may be hindering teams from picking up their phones to inquire about LaVine are the three years remaining of the $215-million contract he signed in 2022.
