According to the most recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors, the team may be interested in trading for Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, there is “increased openness” between the Bulls and LaVine regarding a possible trade.
Given that the star would be yet another client of Klutch Sports, LaVine has been mentioned as a player in relation to the Lakers for some time. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report assembled a possible Lakers trade package that would send LaVine to Hollywood.
According to the trade proposal, Los Angeles would send LaVine to Chicago in exchange for starting point guard D’Angelo Russell, forward Rui Hachimura, and rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino. In addition, the Bulls receive two pick swap options: a first-round pick in 2028 and a first-round pick in 2030 (protected in the top five).
Zach LaVine Is a Potential Trade Target for the LA Lakers; His $40 Million Salary Is 29.45% of the Cap.
Even though it’s entertaining to see LaVine Photoshopped into a Lakers uniform, let’s consider the possible benefits of a trade. LaVine is under contract for a whopping $215 million for five years, with an option to extend through the 2026–2027 campaign. If the player option for this final season is exercised, the two-time All-Star would receive a salary of $48.9 million in 2026–2027.
This deal likely runs beyond LeBron James’ window in Los Angeles and potentially even Anthony Davis. LaVine has a $40 million salary this season which accounts for 29.45% of the cap.
For the Lakers to mortgage their financial futures for LaVine, there would need to be a belief in the front office that the star is a missing piece for the Lakers getting another NBA title. LaVine , 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 37.5% from long range during 77 starts in 2022-23.NBA Rumors: Is Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls the Final Piece Needed for Another Los Angeles Lakers Championship?
There are obvious pros to adding LaVine as it gives Los Angeles a legitimate third scoring option. LaVine is also a plus shooter, something the Lakers could use. Through the first 11 games, Los Angeles’ 34% puts the team
“While losing Rui Hachimura isn’t ideal, in order for this to comply with the collective bargaining agreement, more salary must go in that direction. Furthermore, Cam Reddish might feel comfortable with the depth on the wing after displaying enough life in his most recent outings.
LaVine, who is 28 years old, has a history of serious injuries, and he isn’t expected to draw the same kind of star packages that other players have in recent years given their slow starts in 2023–2024.
of the NBA at 23rd.
“This move makes L.A.’s backcourt bigger and more explosive, likely pushes Austin Reaves to the 1 (where he may fit better) and takes some offensive pressure off LeBron and AD,” Bailey wrote in a November 14 article entitled “Trade Packages for Zach LaVine and Every Top Chicago Bulls Trade Asset.”
The Lakers seem interested in LaVine, even though it might be a risk to the future. The Lakers and Heat are two teams that NBA insider Marc Stein identified as possible destinations for a LaVine trade.
“Since those teams have a clearer need for an offensive infusion, it appears more feasible that teams like Miami or the Los Angeles Lakers, rather than Philadelphia, could emerge with substantive trade interest in LaVine,” Stein wrote on November 15.
Should the Lakers make a blockbuster trade to acquire LaVine’s $215 million contract? Tell us in the comments below.
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