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Report details that the Los Angeles Lakers had the green light from LeBron James to pursue Zach LaVine at this season's trade deadline

Could Zach LaVine still be on the Lakers' radar this offseason?
Stephen Beslic|
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Chicago Bulls

Had it not been for the season-ending foot surgery that Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine underwent, he could have ended up on the Los Angeles Lakers. According to a report on The Athletic, no less than the “King” himself, LeBron James, supported the franchise’s plan to bid for the high-flying wingman.

Couldn’t move LaVine

The Bulls actively tried to find a taker for LaVine ever since his representatives expressed an openness to play somewhere else in November. However, the former UCLA star had been unlucky with injuries this season, missing December due to a sore foot.

Then, after returning and playing seven games, LaVine suffered a sprained ankle, which inflamed his foot once again. He eventually opted for surgery to repair his ailing foot, thus ending a disastrous campaign wherein he averaged subpar numbers of 19.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

According to a report by Sam Amick, Anthony Slater, and Jovan Buha, LeBron wanted LaVine on the Lakers to serve as another playmaker and scoring option.

“James was also in support of the Lakers trading for Dejounte Murray or Zach LaVine — two Klutch Sports clients — in the weeks and months leading into the 2024 trade deadline,” the report read.

While LaVine’s name was involved in nearly every trade rumor leading to the deadline last February 8, Chicago couldn’t get a deal done, owing to LaVine’s massive contract and injury history.

Will the Lakers continue their pursuit of LaVine?

Although LeBron continues to play at a high level, and Anthony Davis has been solid and injury-free, the Lakers are only in ninth place in the Western Conference standings. The report mentioned the team will continue their pursuit of a third star to help their dynamic duo, but curiously, LaVine was not mentioned as a candidate.

“The Lakers plan to continue their quest for a third star this summer, armed with as many as three first-round picks, four pick swaps and multiple second-round picks to make a compelling offer for any available star. According to team sources, the organization has discussed three names internally: Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell and Irving,” the report continued.

Reasons for the Chicago Bulls to be hopeful at the All-Star break

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Stephen Beslic
STEPHEN BESLIC

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.

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