Lakers Keeping Eye On Bulls, Would Include Picks In Trade With Lavine
A dream trade target has emerged for the Lakers with Bulls star guard Zach LaVine.
On paper, the 27-year-old guard is a two-time All-Star and would be a tremendous fit next to LeBron and AD.
“The Lakers are certainly keeping an eye trained toward the Bulls’ developments. A player like Zach LaVine would satisfy Los Angeles’ dreamiest returns for the two future first-round picks” Via - Jake Fischer
— DTLF (@DantheLakersFAN) December 15, 2022
does this sound realistic Lakers Fam?
LaVine is a prolific scorer and has become a good three-point shooter over the last few seasons. Rob Pelinka and the front office have been reluctant to give up their last two tradeable first-round picks, but LaVine is their dream target, and they would part with the picks for him.
On the season, he is averaging 22/5/4 while shooting 43.6% and 35.4% from three. The star guard re-signed with the Bulls on a five-year $215 million deal in the offseason.
Chicago is not determined to move LaVine despite their 11-16 start. If they are to sell at the deadline, it is more likely they move on from veterans DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic rather than LaVine.
Looks like Russ is staying in LA 👀 https://t.co/cthQd3vw5a
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) December 15, 2022
While LaVine may be a good fit, having three max players with LeBron, AD, and Westbrook has limited LA’s depth. Swapping out Westbrook for LaVine would still not solve that problem.
Sam Amick also reported that it is increasingly unlikely that Westbrook will be traded.
Pelinka continues to withhold trading first-round picks, and the pipedream of acquiring LaVine will not do Los Angeles any good.
If they want to turn the season around, the Lakers will need to focus on more realistic trade targets.