The Los Angeles Lakers have zeroed in on two positions in need of an upgrade, big man depth behind Anthony Davis and a facilitator in the backcourt. “According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the “..expectation persists that the Lakers, while currently said to be prioritizing adding depth as opposed to pursuing star-level additions, remain likely to make at least one move,”
While a deal for Washington Wizards depth center, Jonas Valanciunas is in place, the rumor has surfaced that the Chicago Bulls are highly motivated to move on from former Lakers first-rounder, Lonzo Ball. The reporting set NBA prognosticators into a frenzy of potential trades that would send the 27-year-old back to LA.
The Lakers are currently favored by Vegas bookmakers to add Ball, opening with +550 odds per @BovadaOfficial
A Lakers — Bulls Trade Could Open More Trade Options
One such trade proposal would completely renovate the team and answer several of the biggest team needs.
A potential trade scenario proposed by Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva could offer a solution for what ails LA. This trade would involve bringing back former players Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball from the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls, respectively.
In this proposed trade, they would send Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, D’Angelo Russell, and Jalen Hood-Schifino to the Bulls. While this trade would involve significant risk, particularly due to Ball’s injury history, it could potentially revitalize their roster and inject much-needed energy and excitement.
Kuzma’s scoring ability and versatility would be a valuable addition to the frontcourt, while Ball’s defensive skill and playmaking ability could elevate the team’s backcourt.
The Bulls are also interested in moving center Nikola Vucevic. A deal including him or Valanciunas would check off all their needs in one fell swoop.
The Lakers are currently 14-12 and in 10th place in the Western Conference having won 4 out of their last 10 games. LeBron James returned to play against the Memphis Grizzlies after missing the last two games while tending to personal issues.