Lakers Potential Trade Package For Zach LaVine

NBA analysts expect a potential agreement between the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls regarding two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. The Bulls star has shown great interest in signing with the Lakers. This didn’t come as a surprise, because LaVine spends his offseason in Las Vegas. There’s a catch. The Lakers are not really sure about the potential trade move for LaVine.

LaVine could be an ideal pick for the Lakers if they want to build a Big 3. Getting him means getting rid of D’Angelo Russell, a first-round pick, and some “salary fillers.” The Lakers gave Russell a new deal in the offseason but he waived the no-trade option. So yes, he may be willing to part ways with the team.

“It’s no secret that Russell, re-signed to a team-friendly deal this offseason, would likely be included in most trade scenarios,” Seerat Sohi from The Ringer explained. “With him, the Lakers could attach the following pieces: second-year guard Max Christie, rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino, Reddish, Vincent, a 2029 or 2030 first-round pick, and four second-rounders.”

Lakers face obstacles in the LaVine trade

The Bulls may be looking for ways to trade LaVine and improve their roster. However, they won’t trade him without getting great players/picks in return. LaVine’s history of injuries shrunk the list of his potential suitors.

“The Bulls are still searching for the type of haul that a multi-time All-Star typically draws, which LaVine certainly is based on résumé: an established starter, plus a young player with upside and then first-round draft capital, according to league sources,” Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer wrote.

Russell joined the Lakers at the right time. He was efficient in the regular season, but his efficacy was nowhere to be seen in the postseason. This should be enough for the Lakers to trade him away.

LeBron James’ offseason decision could be a game changer for the Lakers. If he decides to pick up his player option, the Lakers will gear up for a total reconstruction.

The Lakers may need some assistance. They lost nine games to playoff contenders, meaning they need all the help they can get. What about the risk of injuries? Having LaVine in the Big 3 and losing either player to an injury could put the Lakers in a really uncomfortable position.

“The starters have only a 1.9 net rating, in large part because they struggle with offensive creation and a lack of consistent shooting,” Sohi wrote on December 15. “That’s one reason they’ve been tied to Zach LaVine, a tough shotmaker with logo range, in trade talks.”