Lakers’ blockbuster trade with Bulls now inevitable thanks to LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers arrived at the United Center hoping to right the ship against a Chicago Bulls team that has performed better without Zach LaVine. Unfortunately, the Lakers’ post-In-Season Tournament losing streak continued, as they were defeated 108-124.

Chicago is currently 7-3 since LaVine went down with a foot ailment, increasing the likelihood that he will be traded at some time. The Lakers have been the team most closely associated with LaVine because they have the contracts and the Klutch Sports relationship to make it happen.

Even if it is not LaVine, the Lakers and Bulls appear to be natural trading partners this season. Following LeBron James’ post-game theatrics following the loss, a Lakers-Bulls showdown now appears to be a foregone conclusion.

LeBron catching up with Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, Nic Vucevic and Zach LaVine postgame pic.twitter.com/9zgy9jJuCm

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 21, 2023

Lakers’ blockbuster trade with Bulls seems inevitable thanks to LeBron James

 

 

Is it possible that we’re reading too much into this video? Yes. But we’re talking about LeBron James here. There has never been a more strategic athlete in terms of what they do and say to the media than LeBron. If LeBron does something when the cameras are rolling, he is doing it on purpose.

LeBron has also not shied away from pushing his team to make a roster change that he believes will improve his title chances. After all, it was LeBron who reportedly persuaded the franchise to deal for Russell Westbrook.

It was no coincidence that he embraced three guys with ties to the Lakers (LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caurso). LeBron knows what he’s doing, much as when he loved Lonzo Ball before he joined with the Lakers.

Does this imply that the Lakers will make the LaVine trade? No, not always. However, there are further trade possibilities accessible. The Lakers can try to acquire both DeRozan and Caruso in a trade, or just Caruso, or Caruso and another role player. LeBron is aware of this, which is why he spoke with these players explicitly.

What’s more, guess what? Members of the Chicago Bulls are well aware of this. There’s a good chance that at least part of their mid-court talk was about this prospect, which now seems more likely.