This offseason has been an uneventful one for the Los Angeles Lakers. While they did officially re-sign star LeBron James to a multi-year deal, the team did very little outside of that. The Lakers drafted the four-time champion’s son, Bronny James, and Dalton Knecht. Additionally, they re-signed Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million contract. However, due to the Lakers’ disappointing campaign last season, fans have shown disappointment with their lack of moves this summer. Additionally, while not making many notable acquisitions, the Lakers also lost some solid players as well. Spender Dinwiddie left to rejoin the Dallas Mavericks. Furthermore, Taurean Prince also departed in free agency to join the Milwaukee Bucks. Considering the Lakers’ championship window is closing, their lack of urgency this offseason is surprising. However, a Western Conference exec believes the Lakers should trade for a former multi-time All-Star–Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls.
Western Conference Exec Says Lakers Should Acquire 2x All-Star
A Zach LaVine Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers Seems Unlikely
According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, an anonymous NBA exec told him he thinks the Lakers should acquire LaVine.
“I’d call Chicago and make a move for Zach LaVine,” the executive told me.
Woike also suggested the Lakers would have to move on from a few key role players to make the trade work.
“A trade would cost the Lakers D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and either Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent — a big cost in talent because the team cannot take back more salary in a trade than it sends out,” Woike said.
LaVine has been linked to the Lakers for quite some time. The Washington native went to college at UCLA and has been subject to numerous trade rumors involving the Lakers. However, at this point, a trade that sends the Bulls guard to Los Angeles is probably off the table.
Given that training camp begins in less than a month, it seems unlikely the team will make a big splash before the season starts. Additionally, while LaVine could be an intriguing addition to the Lakers, it would not make sense for them given his large contract. Furthermore, depending on what they would have to trade, the Lakers could risk jeopardizing their future by moving on from potential assets.
The Chicago Bulls Are Likely Holding On to Zach LaVine
The 29-year-old has been involved in trade rumors for many years up to this point. And last season, it seemed like it was a true possibility. However, nothing has come to fruition. Furthermore, in July, NBA insider Marc Stein provided an update on a potential LaVine trade.
“League sources say that the Bulls are thus resigned to fact that they will likely be forced to start the new season with Zach LaVine on the roster and take it a step further by trying to help him rebuild some trade value after months of fruitless efforts to find a new home via trade.”
LaVine’s time in Chicago will likely end sooner rather than later. However, it appears he will remain on the team for at least the next few months.
