Lakers Listed Among Disgruntled Former All-Star ‘Preferred’ Trade Destinations

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to several players in the last few seasons and there’s a new rumor linking the franchise to a former All-Star. The front office can make a move after December 15 as some of the tradeable players are actually ineligible for a trade by this date.

Is Zach LaVine a good option for the purple and gold? Shams Charania from The Athletic reported that the talented player is eyeing his trade options, meaning the Chicago Bulls could trade him sooner than expected.

“LaVine and his representation hold several preferred landing spots, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers,” wrote Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports on November 17. “Each team has registered some level of interest in the Bulls guard.“

LaVine had a chance to join the Lakers before the start of the 2022-23 NBA season and there were several potential suitors on the open market. The Bulls offered him a five-year deal and LaVine made a decision.

Lakers face competition in the potential trade for the former All-Star

LaVine was able to make another decision and join the Lakers or any other NBA team. LA is not the only potential suitor at this point. Several teams have shown interest in LaVine, including the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings.

“LaVine also has an eye on joining the San Antonio Spurs, sources said, in order to pair with rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and reunite with head coach Gregg Popovich, who oversaw the 2020 Team USA outfit that LaVine helped win a gold medal in Tokyo,” wrote Fischer. “There are several other contending situations LaVine would welcome joining, sources said, one being Sacramento. The Kings signed LaVine to an offer sheet during his restricted free agency in 2018.”

The Bulls player was really disappointed after receiving an offer sheet from a different NBA team. The Kings “made a strong impression” and LaVine thought that the Bulls don’t want him that much.

“I’m told the Raptors are also expected to have some level of interest in (Zach) LaVine.”

NBA Insider @ShamsCharania on the latest surrounding LaVine and the Bulls. pic.twitter.com/lnNHJaVQdy

— The Rally (@TheRally) November 17, 2023

“I’m disappointed that I had to get an offer sheet from another team,” LaVine said on July of 2018. “But Sacramento stepped up and made a strong impression. It appears that Sacramento wants me more than Chicago.”