Lakers now on the verge of signing Chicago Bulls star

A Bulls insider indicates that a deal involving LaVine is on the verge of happening. Despite the Chicago Bulls’ recent success, marked by seven victories in their last ten games and a promising outlook for the remainder of the season, the uncertainty surrounding All-Star guard Zach LaVine remains a focal point.

Following reports of increased openness from the Bulls’ front office to trade the high-scoring player, speculations have been rampant about LaVine’s potential departure before the deadline.

Adding to the speculation, an insider source suggests that indications strongly suggest a trade that would see LaVine joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

A deal is imminent

According to The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry, a deal for LaVine between Chicago and Los Angeles may be “imminent,” the only hurdle is finding common ground on the assets the Bulls would receive in return for LaVine.

“All signs are pointing to these teams eventually finding common ground on a deal that works for both sides. The fit as trade partners was apparent before. But as the season has progressed, it seems imperative that they come together on a trade,” Mayberry shared.

The Bulls have been bombarded by calls inquiring about veterans DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, too. Still, the team’s focus remains moving LaVine—who is currently sidelined with a right foot inflammation—to another squad.

“LaVine would be their first choice to move. He has a massive contract that will be impossible for him to live up to as long as the Bulls are losing, and with LaVine, the Bulls have been stuck in the mud for the better part of seven seasons,” Mayberry shared.

 

What the Lakers are willing to offer

Jovan Buha, who covers the Lakers for The Athletic, mentioned that Los Angeles might contemplate putting together a deal centered around point guard D’Angelo Russell, potentially including Rui Hachimura, although that could represent the upper limit of their offer.

“For LaVine specifically, I think the Lakers would consider a D’Angelo Russell-centric deal, but I don’t think they’d throw in much more than a combination of salary filler (Rui Hachimura and/or Gabe Vincent), a young prospect (Max Christie or Jalen Hood-Schifino) and a protected pick (2029 or 2030 first rounder). The Lakers would fight to keep Hachimura and Christie, to be clear. But I see that offer on the high end of what they’d be willing to give up,” Buha explained.