The Los Angeles Lakers have exhibited flashes of brilliance this season, but the team’s success hinges on consistent contributions from a third star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While the Lakers have shown improvement over the last few games, particularly on defense, the need for a reliable third-scoring option remains evident.
The Lakers have made it clear through recent reporting that they have zeroed in on finding a backup big man and a starting guard, and are not looking to headhunt a star player.
Lakers, Lavine Trade Financially Unlikely To Work
As The Athletic’s Jovan Buha noted, Zach LaVine has been floated as a potential trade target, mostly because he is being openly shopped by the Chicago Bulls. However, acquiring LaVine may not be the most ideal solution for contract-related reasons.
“Certainly possible. I will say they did have some interest in him last year, and ultimately I think that the contract was a little too rich for them,” he said. “He’s making $43.3 million this year, $45.9 million next year—and this has been a running joke from me—in 2026-27 he has a player option for $48.9 million. And I will break that news here that he will be opting into that $48.9 million player option. … I think anyone they add needs to be average to above-average defensively, if not better. That’s my biggest issue with LaVine.”
The Lakers have been linked to several other guards, that have more financially sustainable situations like Collin Sexton, Bruce Brown, Lonzo Ball, and Markel Fultz. Where the most trade smoke has billowed from has been surrounding Washington Wizards center, Jonas Valanciunas.
The Lakers are now on a three-game winning streak, sitting at 16-12 and in sixth place in the Western Conference. They will host the Detroit Pistons, before heading to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.