The Los Angeles Lakers may have additional competition in their suspected pursuit of Chicago Bulls standout Zach LaVine.
While he is not their major trade target, he may be the simplest to obtain.
“The Sixers are continuing to look at the marketplace,” Shams Charania stated on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back” on December 21. “Take a look at their asset pool: they have three first-round draft picks that they can trade.” They have a lot of contracts… So Zach LaVine and OG Anunoby are two names to keep an eye on as guys Philadelphia has been monitoring and is interested in.”
With LeBron James out, the Lakers were defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves, whom he referred to as the “best team” in the Western Conference. But, even before that loss, James indicated dissatisfaction with the way things were going this season.
Since the offseason, the Lakers have been linked to LaVine.
They wanted to be cautious about making any moves this season, in part because they valued Lavine’s teammates, Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan.
“Zach LaVine has piqued the interest of the Bulls in recent conversations I’ve had.” But I think it comes at the proper price,” The Athletic’s Jovan Buha remarked on November 28’s “Hoops Tonight” podcast. “I’ve actually heard that they’re more interested in DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso.”
According to Buha, the “right price” excludes Austin Reaves.
The Lakers’ current problem is the Bulls’ recent ascent. Chicago has won eight of its last eleven games, all with Caruso and DeRozan on the court and LaVine off it.
LaVine is suffering from foot irritation. According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes on December 18, he isn’t anticipated to return until the first week of January.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic on December 18, the Sacramento Kings are also interested in LaVine. Amick goes on to say that the interest is mutual. In 2018, Sacramento signed LaVine to an offer sheet, which the Bulls eventually matched.
Point guard De’Aaron Fox, another Klutch Sports client, is also on the roster.
Zach LaVine Trade Complicated for the Lakers
The Bulls’ recent success may jeopardize the Lakers’ hopes of acquiring Caruso and/or DeRozan. However, LaVine’s price may be dropping.
He is already concerned about his health. He tore his ACL in 2017 and had arthroscopic knee surgery before the 2022-23 season, among other things. His deal also has three more years and $138 million left on it. Without him, the Bulls have performed better. The Lakers could take advantage of the situation.
“I think that’s where this is likely headed if it happens: a three- or even four-team deal,” Buha commented on December 20. “Ultimately, I think a deal is less likely to happen than the recent buzz suggests.”
Buha believes that stronger offers should come in until no other teams are interested in the two-time All-Star. That seems improbable in light of agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who has a clear link to the Lakers, stating that he is simply seeking for the best situation for LaVine.
More teams may be interested in trading for Zach LaVine.
Los Angeles has a restricted amount of draft capital. This will put them at a disadvantage in a hypothetical bidding war, even once the trade limitations on the rest of their roster expire, regardless of the target.
In the run-up to the trade deadline last season, Chicago discussed a LaVine trade with Philadelphia. But those discussions never got very far. The New York Knicks were likewise prevented from pursuing LaVine due to Chicago’s high asking price.
To outbid another contender for LaVine, the Lakers may have to be more aggressive.
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