Lakers Could Trade For $301 Million All-Star, Says Insider

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make a move and trade for an All-Star. Jake Fischer from Yahoo Sports believes that the team could make a move and get a $301 million player.

According to Fischer, the Lakers pay close attention to the situation in Chicago. The Chicago Bulls deal with a big challenge at the moment and they may soon trade DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic. Is LaVine the right player to join the Lakers?

“The Lakers are certainly keeping an eye trained toward the Bulls’ developments,” Fischer wrote. “A player like Zach LaVine would satisfy Los Angeles’ dreamiest returns for the two future first-round picks Rob Pelinka’s front office has left in its stable, although the murmured idea of flipping Russell Westbrook for Vucevic and DeRozan would appear a far more realistic outcome if Chicago does ultimately pivot from its postseason aspirations.”

Lakers could trade Russell Westbrook for the Bulls All-Star

The Lakers have been linked to several players in the last few months. They can trade some of their players and also include a few future draft picks. Shams Charania from The Athletic reported that LA plans to trade two draft picks for players who can help them win a title.

“Moving (Russell) Westbrook to the sixth-man role has worked brilliantly for first-time head coach Darvin Ham,” Charania wrote. “In addition, the Lakers have made clear they’re prioritizing championship-altering players for their trade-eligible two first-round picks (2027, 2029). It remains to be seen who could become available as the season goes on.”

CBA rules allow the Lakers to trade Westbrook and some draft picks to get LaVine. Joe Cowley from the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Bulls haven’t shown any interest in Westbrook at all.

“So while the Lakers might be looking to make a big trade and have their eyes on the Bulls’ roster, the feeling isn’t mutual,” Cowley wrote. “According to a source, executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas has no interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook and his expiring contract, even if it means adding draft picks.”

It’s a long season and the Lakers have a chance to improve their roster. Pelinka has a few options on his desk. Westbrook plays well at the moment, but he is still the top tradeable asset in LA.