Bulls Reportedly Open to Trading Zach Lavine, Would He Make Sense for the Lakers?

As the Los Angeles Lakers season goes on, the need to upgrade the roster may come about. There have already been talks about the team looking into adding a third star, especially given the early season struggles.

But the LA front office isn't going to make any rash decisions, especially when it comes to gutting the depth of this roster. However, for the right player, the Lakers would likely be willing to make a move.

One long-time target of the Lakers has been guard Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls, and now it seems that Chicago may finally be ready to trade him away. NBA insider Shams Charania reported the news.

Developing: NBA teams are probing the availability of Bulls two-time All-Star Zach LaVine and there is increased openness from both sides about exploring a trade, sources say.

Details at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/2UvELP2lMG
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 14, 2023

LaVine could slot in as the team's third star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving them a lethal scoring option. He has spoken in the past about wanting to play alongside James, and maybe this could finally be the time.

Ima just set this on your timeline

“I would love to play with LeBron James and a dominant big man”

- Zach Lavine pic.twitter.com/Z1wyw42YB0
— ²³ (@SpeakContext) November 10, 2023

Through 11 games this season, LaVine is averaging 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. He would easily become more energized if dealt to a contending team like the Lakers, and it would motivate him to want to be great.

He has been linked to the Lakers for some time now, and he would give the team a second star going forward once LeBron James were to retire. It could also help them keep James in the Purple and Gold past this season as well.

The biggest downside to the deal would be his contract. LaVine is signed through the 2027 season, and he will be making over $40 million each of the next few seasons.

LA would also need to wait until at least December 15th for any deal to come about, as their free-agent signings from the offseason would then be eligible to be traded. Someone, like guard D'Angelo Russell and a mix of players would likely be the package heading back to Chicago if a trade came about.

The NBA has seen a rise in super teams once again, so getting LaVine could allow LA to get back on fair ground. They would have a three-headed monster to go up against teams like the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics.

The Bulls guard would likely welcome a move to the Lakers, as he played his college ball at UCLA. The Lakers should do what it takes to land LaVine, as he would give them an even stronger chance to compete for an NBA title this season.

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