Is Zach LaVine still a possibility for the Lakers this offseason?
Zach LaVine, an All-Star player for the Chicago Bulls, could have played for the Los Angeles Lakers if he hadn’t had to undergo season-ending foot surgery. No less than LeBron James, the self-proclaimed “King,” reportedly approved of the team’s proposal to pursue the daring winger.
UNABLE TO MOVE LAVINE
The Bulls made a concerted effort to find LaVine a suitor ever since his agents said they would be willing to play elsewhere in November. The former UCLA standout, though, had a bad season due to injuries; a sore foot kept him out of action in December.
LaVine then sustained a sprained ankle, which caused his foot to become inflamed once more, following his comeback and seven games. He ultimately decided to have surgery to fix his injured foot, which put an end to a terrible season in which he averaged a pitiful 19.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
LeBron wanted LaVine on the Lakers to be another playmaker and scoring option, according to a report by Sam Amick, Anthony Slater, and Jovan Buha.
According to the report, “James was also in favor of the Lakers trading for either Zach LaVine or Dejounte Murray, two Klutch Sports clients, in the weeks and months preceding the 2024 trade deadline.”
Despite the fact that LaVine’s name was mentioned in almost every trade rumor prior to last February 8 deadline, LaVine’s large contract and injury history prevented Chicago from completing a deal.
Will the Lakers continue their pursuit of LaVine?
Even though Anthony Davis has been reliable and injury-free and LeBron continues to play at a high level, the Lakers are only in ninth place in the Western Conference rankings. Strangely, LaVine was not mentioned as a candidate in the report, which stated that the team will keep looking for a third star to support their talented duo.
With as many as three first-round picks, four pick swaps, and numerous second-round picks at their disposal, the Lakers intend to pursue their search for a third star this summer and hope to make a strong offer for any player who becomes available. The report went on, “According to team sources, the organization has internally discussed three names: Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, and Irving.
Motives behind the Chicago Bulls’ optimism heading into the All-Star break
