Deal Close: The Los Angeles Lakers complete Zach LaVine’s trade as D’Angelo Russell permits to join the Bulls.

Following reports that Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls had asked for a trade, the Los Angeles Lakers have been connected to the Bulls player. The sides don’t appear to be very close to reaching an agreement just yet, though. D’Angelo Russell appears to be the focal point of the Lakers’ initial trade package, according to a report from The Athletic.

The Lakers, in particular, might consider a D’Angelo Russell-centric trade for LaVine, but I doubt they would offer much more than a protected pick (2029 or 2030 first rounder), a young prospect (Max Christie or Jalen Hood-Schifino), and salary filler (Rui Hachimura and/or Gabe Vincent

On paper, the Lakers have a strong team, and many believe that the contracts they gave to Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves in the summer will be useful if they ever need to trade for a star player that will require the team to give up a number of players. LaVine seems to be the kind of player the Lakers are looking for, but given how the Russell Westbrook trade went south in 2021, it appears they are unwilling to shell up a significant sum of money.

Being a superb shooter with multiple scoring options, LaVine is a better fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis than Westbrook was. Due to his large contract, the Lakers would need to be cautious and balance their roster by bringing in a swingman such as LaVine.

Before suffering an injury this season, LaVine averaged 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Many people anticipated that he would be traded before he could rejoin the starting lineup. Although Russell is averaging 15.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, the Lakers have lost four of their past five games, and he is currently in a slump.