Zach LaVine, a star player for the Chicago Bulls, is the main target of NBA trade rumors involving the Los Angeles Lakers. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report crafted a sensational three-team trade proposal, in which the Oklahoma City Thunder could be the third team.
The NBA analyst is trying to sell the Thunder as a possible middleman in the seemingly deadlocked Lakers-Bulls trade. Bailey argues that the Lakers should finally acquire LaVine in order to go “all-in.”
LaVine and Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins are included in the deal for the Lakers. D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2029 first-round selection are traded by Los Angeles.
Russell, Davis Bertans, Hood-Schifino, a 2026 second round pick, a 2029 first round selection via the Lakers, and a 2024 first-round pick from Oklahoma City (via Clippers) are acquired by Chicago. As compensation for their involvement in the trade, the Thunder receive Hachimura and former Lakers center Andre Drummond.
You got all of that? Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the possible blockbuster deal.Lakers Rumors: LA Is Not Going to Make a Trade for Zach LaVine, a Star for the Bulls
After 45 games, Los Angeles is sitting at 22-23, good for the ninth seed in the Western Conference. Given that their team has had inconsistent play thus far this season, it is evident that the Lakers are looking for solutions.
LaVine and the Lakers have many ties, beginning with the two-time All-Star’s representation by Klutch Sports. The Lakers are probably going to pass on a trade for the star, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, despite the persistent rumors. Los Angeles has until February 8th, the NBA trade deadline, to decide.
“Team and league sources told ESPN that Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls is not considered an option at this point,” McMenamin stated in an article titled “NBA trade deadline: How big of a splash could the Lakers make?” published on January 23, 2024. “There are several reasons for this: There would be too much risk for Los Angeles to take with injuries having already cost him 18 games this season, his production not translating to team success in Chicago, and nearly $90 million guaranteed to him in the next two years, with an additional $49 million player option for 2026–2027.
Is Chicago Bulls Guard Zach LaVine’s $215 Million Contract Worth It for the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Bulls’ largest obstacle to LaVine leaving is his $215 million, five-year contract, which is set to expire after the 2026–2027 campaign. LaVine’s salary is $40 million this season, with an additional $48
LaVine would provide Los Angeles with a third scorer to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis, despite his hefty price tag. LaVine is shooting 34.9% from long range and averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
LaVine would definitely be the third player for the Lakers, according to Bailey. “LaVine would probably see an efficiency boost as someone attacking the closeouts of lesser defenders and getting more catch-and-shoot opportunities as opposing teams would have to concentrate the majority of their defensive attention on LeBron James and Anthony Davis.”
The volume would decrease as a supplement to LeBron and AD, but LaVine could dominate defensive schemes that those two superstars would juggle.
million due in the last year of the contract.
focuses on the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Lakers while covering the NFL and NBA for Heavy.com. Numerous publications, including NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated, have highlighted his work. Additional details regarding Jonathan Adams
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