Despite exploring trade options for Zach LaVine with numerous teams, the Chicago Bulls appear to be gaining traction in recent weeks. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Los Angeles Lakers were one of the top suitors for the 11-season veteran.
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“The Sun-Times reported last month that there was “light momentum” in trade talks with Denver, and while they weren’t completely taken off the table they have stalled,” wrote Joe Cowley. “A source also said that there was early-season talk about LaVine and the Lakers, but the puzzle didn’t have the right pieces at the time. With Los Angeles moving the D’Angelo Russell contract a few weeks ago for Dorian Finney-Smith, the puzzle was all but thrown in the garbage.”
Ultimately they traded Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Finney-Smith and Shake Milton late last month.
LA previously attempted to acquire LaVine, but the evolving trade landscape may present new opportunities for both teams to revisit the possibility.
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According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, LA is currently assessing its internal options before making any further trade decisions ahead of the February 6th deadline.
“Instead of rushing into a deal for a backup big man, the Lakers do have a real desire to see what their second unit looks like once Jared Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent are on the court together—something that happened just once a season ago,” Woike wrote Sunday.
LaVine’s offensive firepower would undoubtedly benefit LA, providing a much-needed scoring complement to LeBron James and easing the offensive burden on the aging superstar. While his defensive contributions have been subject to criticism, his offensive prowess remains a significant asset. He is also the third-best shooting guard in the Easter Conference by ESPN’s Hollinger Stats – Player Efficiency Rating