Not even two months into the NBA season, and the Los Angeles Lakers are already the target of numerous calls to trade for a third-star player. Although LA has experienced ups and downs this year, they are only now becoming completely healthy. The Lakers have been severely impacted by injuries thus far in the season, which has led to the team losing some games that they ought to have won. However, they continue to strive to make the team better even as they recover. Zach LaVine, the Chicago Bulls’ All-Star guard, is the most well-known person associated with them. LaVine’s injury has kept him out of the last few games, but there’s a good chance he’ll be traded.
LaVine and the Lakers have been connected for a while, and now might be the right time to move forward. Furthermore, the Lakers are being pushed to acquire him by Klutch Sports, his agent. “The Bulls have been linked to the Lakers and Raptors in the rumor mill, but multiple sources said LaVine and his representation obviously want Los Angeles because of the Klutch Sports connection.” It makes sense, according to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun Times, because Klutch is related to the Lakers through players LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Furthermore, LaVine would benefit even more from the Lakers’ brand. For the guard, it would be a sort of homecoming as UCLA was his college basketball team.
LaVine’s scoring prowess and ball handling abilities could help the Lakers relieve some of James’s pressure. The largest problem, though, is that if he were traded, his contract would be assumed. With four years remaining on his contract, he makes more than $40 million annually. Furthermore, any deal would reduce the depth the Lakers have amassed. LaVine would give them a greater chance to win the championship this season, but the front office might not be willing to take that on. Over the next few weeks, the Lakers will need to make some decisions, but LaVine is still a very real possibility. While James is still a member of the team, now is the time to seize every opportunity.
