The 2023-2024 season for the Los Angeles Lakers has had its ups and downs. From starting off the season strong at 15-10 to the first inaugural in-season tournament win; the Lakers looked to be on the right track. However, as the season has entered 2024, the Lakers have been hovering around .500. After following a bad stretch of losses, the Lakers recently have been able to get some traction going as they beat the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors. With roughly a month left, the Lakers rumor continues to make noise about star player Zach Lavine.
Injuries and inconsistency amongst the lineups have played a part in the Lakers’ struggles. With the NBA trade deadline coming to a close in the next month, there’s still a spotlight on whether the Lakers will make a trade or not. The conversation and media have shifted to the Lakers’ struggles and how they need to upgrade their offense. To ultimately give LeBron James and Anthony Davis another championship-contending roster like they had in 2020.
Lakers Rumors: Reluctant on Zach Lavine Trade with Bulls
Zach LaVine Trade Rumors: Lakers Have Indicated 'Hesitancy' to Acquire Contract https://t.co/YYzCDlsLw9 pic.twitter.com/zHhJtnFCSC
— LA Lakers News (@lakeshowonline) January 5, 2024
The most prominent name that has been linked with the Lakers following the trade deadline has been Lavine. After signing a big extension two summers ago, it seems to be that Lavine is on his way out of the Chicago Bulls organization. With the Lakers’ struggles on the offensive end, he has been the big name to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Reasonings & Reluctancy on Lavine Trade
There’s always noise regarding the Los Angeles Lakers organization and its trade rumors following every off-season and in-season trade market. With much spotlight and attention on the Lakers, they still seem reluctant to make such a big trade.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported stating, “For what it’s worth, from everything I have been told by sources within the Lakers, there is no movement for them to be looking to make a trade deal for Zach Lavine. Things could change, but at this moment, there is no momentum for that”.
Lavine’s Expensive Contract
There are several reasons to look at when divulging into a big trade for an all-star caliber player in Lavine. Lavine still remains with a big contract that he signed two years ago. Lavine is still to be owed roughly $90 million for the next two years and has a $49 million player option for the 2026-2027 season. Even though Lavine has proven to be an impactful and talented player, the Lakers seem reluctant to take on such a large financial contract.
Lakers Depth Over Making a Big Move
Lakers also prefer to hold on to the depth they have acquired this off-season and from the trade deadline as of last year. With such a high-profile player in Lavine, the Bulls have expressed major interest in Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and some draft picks. Acquiring Lavine would take a toll on the depth, size, and defense the Lakers have obtained. Being in and out of the starting role for both Reaves and Hachimura has not hindered their play. Both Reaves and Hachimura have proven their value and how important they are for this Los Angeles Lakers roster.
Last Word
Although there has been consistent noise around Lavine landing in L.A., the news has toned down. The Lakers look to continue this win streak ahead as they play the majority of January’s games at home. Being at .500, they hope to use these past wins to garner momentum for the remainder of the season. Consistency amongst a lineup is huge for success, especially led by James and Davis. Making such a big trade in acquiring Lavine could come with complications despite gaining an offensive all-star. As time progresses, the Lakers look to continue the momentum and get fully healthy for the remainder of the season. They hope to make it to the playoffs again. With only a few weeks left until the trade deadline, we shall see if the Lakers are to continue with the roster they have or if Zach Lavine will be a Laker.
