Lakers continue to prefer DeMar DeRozan and/or Alex Caruso over Zach LaVine
Jovan Buha: My understanding is that the Lakers continue to prefer DeRozan and/or Caruso given their contracts, as previously reported. The Lakers have preferred year-to-year flexibility over long-term salaries since their championship run in 2020, and especially after the catastrophic Russell Westbrook trade. DeRozan is on a $28 million expiring deal. Caruso is making $9.5 million this season and $9.9 million next season, both team-friendly figures given he’s one of the league’s best defensive guards. LaVine, meanwhile, represents a significant commitment for a player who’s been a borderline All-Star at best.
Source: Darnell Mayberry, Jovan Buha, Jovan Buha and Darnell Mayberry @ The Athletic
Source: Darnell Mayberry, Jovan Buha, Jovan Buha and Darnell Mayberry @ The Athletic
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Alex Caruso, laughing, on his defensive strategy on LeBron James: “I try to hope he doesn’t catch it on the block because he’s like 270 (pounds).”
More seriously, Caruso on his former teammate’s sustained greatness.
For @NBCSChicago: nbcsportschicago.com/nba/chicago-bu… – 11:06 AM
Alex Caruso, laughing, on his defensive strategy on LeBron James: “I try to hope he doesn’t catch it on the block because he’s like 270 (pounds).”
More seriously, Caruso on his former teammate’s sustained greatness.
For @NBCSChicago: nbcsportschicago.com/nba/chicago-bu… – 11:06 AM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
How likely is a Bulls-Lakers trade? The latest on Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso theathletic.com/5151265/2023/1… – 10:30 AM
How likely is a Bulls-Lakers trade? The latest on Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso theathletic.com/5151265/2023/1… – 10:30 AM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
DeMar DeRozan remains committed to the Bulls bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/dem… pic.twitter.com/j6G7933OvS – 10:00 AM
DeMar DeRozan remains committed to the Bulls bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/dem… pic.twitter.com/j6G7933OvS – 10:00 AM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
Alex Caruso is in demand as a trade target, but will the Chicago Bulls deal him? bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/nba… pic.twitter.com/2KCb3N86Lw – 1:00 AM
Alex Caruso is in demand as a trade target, but will the Chicago Bulls deal him? bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/nba… pic.twitter.com/2KCb3N86Lw – 1:00 AM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
‘Lakers Talk’ starts at 7p. @WindhorstESPN will join the show.
-Why are the Lakers struggling since the In-Season Tourney?
-Lakers/Bulls tomorrow, is Zach LaVine the answer?
-Gabe Vincent update, may be back in Chicago
@ESPNLosAngeles – 9:35 PM
‘Lakers Talk’ starts at 7p. @WindhorstESPN will join the show.
-Why are the Lakers struggling since the In-Season Tourney?
-Lakers/Bulls tomorrow, is Zach LaVine the answer?
-Gabe Vincent update, may be back in Chicago
@ESPNLosAngeles – 9:35 PM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
Report: Zach LaVine would be ‘very amenable’ to Kings trade, joining forces with De’Aaron Fox bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/chi… pic.twitter.com/kpdBw8bC4L – 6:00 PM
Report: Zach LaVine would be ‘very amenable’ to Kings trade, joining forces with De’Aaron Fox bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/chi… pic.twitter.com/kpdBw8bC4L – 6:00 PM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
DeMar DeRozan remains committed to the Bulls bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/dem… pic.twitter.com/Xqoisvds1u – 4:10 PM
DeMar DeRozan remains committed to the Bulls bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/dem… pic.twitter.com/Xqoisvds1u – 4:10 PM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
Alex Caruso is in demand as a trade target, but will the Chicago Bulls deal him? bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/nba… pic.twitter.com/5IdlLTDRm2 – 1:00 PM
Alex Caruso is in demand as a trade target, but will the Chicago Bulls deal him? bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/nba… pic.twitter.com/5IdlLTDRm2 – 1:00 PM
Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
Seems clear that subtracting LaVine has led to more room for White and PatWill to do stuff other than spot up and stand.
The question to me is whether that might have also happened if DeRozan got hurt instead of Zach, or if the effect is uniquely linked (in some way) to Zach. – 11:30 AM
Seems clear that subtracting LaVine has led to more room for White and PatWill to do stuff other than spot up and stand.
The question to me is whether that might have also happened if DeRozan got hurt instead of Zach, or if the effect is uniquely linked (in some way) to Zach. – 11:30 AM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Is Coby White shooting his way to a 3-point shootout invite at All-Star weekend? Alex Caruso thinks so.
What are White’s thoughts about it?
For @NBCSChicago: nbcsportschicago.com/nba/chicago-bu… – 10:55 AM
Is Coby White shooting his way to a 3-point shootout invite at All-Star weekend? Alex Caruso thinks so.
What are White’s thoughts about it?
For @NBCSChicago: nbcsportschicago.com/nba/chicago-bu… – 10:55 AM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
Report: Zach LaVine would be ‘very amenable’ to Kings trade, joining forces with De’Aaron Fox bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/chi… pic.twitter.com/vOrZdZvOIt – 9:05 AM
Report: Zach LaVine would be ‘very amenable’ to Kings trade, joining forces with De’Aaron Fox bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/19/chi… pic.twitter.com/vOrZdZvOIt – 9:05 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Zach LaVine reportedly ‘amenable’ to Kings trade, but Sacramento should not share the same interest
By: @bradbotkincbs
cbssports.com/nba/news/bulls… – 12:01 AM
Zach LaVine reportedly ‘amenable’ to Kings trade, but Sacramento should not share the same interest
By: @bradbotkincbs
cbssports.com/nba/news/bulls… – 12:01 AM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Alex Caruso on his belief that the Bulls are playoff contenders: “We can play with anybody when we play our best. It’s just about doing it.” pic.twitter.com/kmzzQ8GoIh – 11:20 PM
Alex Caruso on his belief that the Bulls are playoff contenders: “We can play with anybody when we play our best. It’s just about doing it.” pic.twitter.com/kmzzQ8GoIh – 11:20 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Alex Caruso would not let media leave tonight without starting his own campaign: Coby White for the 2024 3-point Contest. pic.twitter.com/8MvMuKNvns – 10:17 PM
Alex Caruso would not let media leave tonight without starting his own campaign: Coby White for the 2024 3-point Contest. pic.twitter.com/8MvMuKNvns – 10:17 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Alex Caruso, on if he believes the Bulls are a playoff team: “Yeah, for sure. I think we have enough talent clearly. We can play with anybody when we play at our best. It’s just about doing it.” – 10:16 PM
Alex Caruso, on if he believes the Bulls are a playoff team: “Yeah, for sure. I think we have enough talent clearly. We can play with anybody when we play at our best. It’s just about doing it.” – 10:16 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Caruso on his ankle: “We did a pretty sturdy tape job on it. Chip (Schaefer) got me right. I really didn’t think about it too much. That’s a good thing. Didn’t step on anybody. Nobody stepped on me. So, successful game.” – 10:12 PM
Caruso on his ankle: “We did a pretty sturdy tape job on it. Chip (Schaefer) got me right. I really didn’t think about it too much. That’s a good thing. Didn’t step on anybody. Nobody stepped on me. So, successful game.” – 10:12 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Bulls are now 6-3 with a +31 point differential since Zach LaVine exited the lineup. They’ve beaten the no. 2, 3, and 5 team in the East during that stretch. – 9:28 PM
Bulls are now 6-3 with a +31 point differential since Zach LaVine exited the lineup. They’ve beaten the no. 2, 3, and 5 team in the East during that stretch. – 9:28 PM
Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
That story suggesting Sacramento as a landing spot for Zach LaVine sounds like wishful thinking from Rich Paul. Not sure Kings want $125 million tied up between Fox, Sabonis and LaVine. #Bulls – 8:12 PM
That story suggesting Sacramento as a landing spot for Zach LaVine sounds like wishful thinking from Rich Paul. Not sure Kings want $125 million tied up between Fox, Sabonis and LaVine. #Bulls – 8:12 PM
Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Really nice 1stH by #Bulls in Philadelphia. After falling behind early 16-4, they lead 55-44 at halftime. Following the right formula: Keep the ball moving, inside-out, let Coby White (16 pts) lead the way. The return of Alex Caruso has helped the defense. – 8:08 PM
Really nice 1stH by #Bulls in Philadelphia. After falling behind early 16-4, they lead 55-44 at halftime. Following the right formula: Keep the ball moving, inside-out, let Coby White (16 pts) lead the way. The return of Alex Caruso has helped the defense. – 8:08 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Another great half for Embiid (23-7-3) but rest of the group is struggling.
Think Chicago has done a good job of stifling Maxey in the halfcourt, Caruso giving him some problems at the point of attack specifically – 8:03 PM
Another great half for Embiid (23-7-3) but rest of the group is struggling.
Think Chicago has done a good job of stifling Maxey in the halfcourt, Caruso giving him some problems at the point of attack specifically – 8:03 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Alex Caruso making an early impression on the Sixers as trade season nears, following on the weak side to get full hand on a would-be Tyrese Maxey layup and spiking it into the crowd. – 7:24 PM
Alex Caruso making an early impression on the Sixers as trade season nears, following on the weak side to get full hand on a would-be Tyrese Maxey layup and spiking it into the crowd. – 7:24 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
10th double-digit first-quarter deficit this season for the Bulls
Caruso checks in at 6:32 – 7:21 PM
10th double-digit first-quarter deficit this season for the Bulls
Caruso checks in at 6:32 – 7:21 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls guard Zach LaVine and his agent are only adding to the trade drama, but with no real market for the two-time All-Star, the bigger concern is when can he start playing basketball again with his right foot injury? Billy talks …
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2023/12/… – 7:14 PM
Bulls guard Zach LaVine and his agent are only adding to the trade drama, but with no real market for the two-time All-Star, the bigger concern is when can he start playing basketball again with his right foot injury? Billy talks …
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2023/12/… – 7:14 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Caruso warming up for the game against the 76ers tonight …. pic.twitter.com/SCVVLaLW9w – 6:32 PM
Caruso warming up for the game against the 76ers tonight …. pic.twitter.com/SCVVLaLW9w – 6:32 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Billy Donovan said he expects a readjustment period when LaVine is reintegrated with the Bulls, who are 5-3 in his absence.
Said LaVine has been vocally supportive with the team throughout the injury: “He’s been a really, really good voice in the locker room and on the bench.” pic.twitter.com/TcQ3fyi8ZB – 5:59 PM
Billy Donovan said he expects a readjustment period when LaVine is reintegrated with the Bulls, who are 5-3 in his absence.
Said LaVine has been vocally supportive with the team throughout the injury: “He’s been a really, really good voice in the locker room and on the bench.” pic.twitter.com/TcQ3fyi8ZB – 5:59 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Billy Donovan said Zach LaVine has started straight-ahead running and light shooting with no setbacks. Said LaVine will need “some kind of ramp-up of physical activity in a practice or against player development guys” whenever he’s cleared before he plays. – 5:57 PM
Billy Donovan said Zach LaVine has started straight-ahead running and light shooting with no setbacks. Said LaVine will need “some kind of ramp-up of physical activity in a practice or against player development guys” whenever he’s cleared before he plays. – 5:57 PM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Coby White looks to continue his sharpshooting in Philadelphia tonight.
He’ll have Alex Caruso back in the lineup. Torrey Craig (right heel soreness) is sidelined and scheduled for further testing. pic.twitter.com/uU3KnidXzT – 5:45 PM
Coby White looks to continue his sharpshooting in Philadelphia tonight.
He’ll have Alex Caruso back in the lineup. Torrey Craig (right heel soreness) is sidelined and scheduled for further testing. pic.twitter.com/uU3KnidXzT – 5:45 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Alex Caruso is available tonight. Torrey Craig is out. He has a “pretty acute” heel injury. No diagnosis or timeline for his return. – 5:30 PM
Alex Caruso is available tonight. Torrey Craig is out. He has a “pretty acute” heel injury. No diagnosis or timeline for his return. – 5:30 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Torrey Craig is out vs. 76ers, per Donovan. Craig will undergo further testing in Chicago.
Caruso is in. – 5:30 PM
Torrey Craig is out vs. 76ers, per Donovan. Craig will undergo further testing in Chicago.
Caruso is in. – 5:30 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Could Zach LaVine be interested in the Sacramento Kings? Does he still have a future with the Chicago Bulls?
The trade window continues to offer more questions than answers for the guard’s next steps: chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/c… – 2:43 PM
Could Zach LaVine be interested in the Sacramento Kings? Does he still have a future with the Chicago Bulls?
The trade window continues to offer more questions than answers for the guard’s next steps: chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/c… – 2:43 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Most mid-range buckets this season:
69 — Brandon Ingram
68 — DeMar DeRozan
66 — Kevin Durant
57 — Joel Embiid pic.twitter.com/UTzadmn6Ol – 2:32 PM
Most mid-range buckets this season:
69 — Brandon Ingram
68 — DeMar DeRozan
66 — Kevin Durant
57 — Joel Embiid pic.twitter.com/UTzadmn6Ol – 2:32 PM
Evan Sidery @esidery
Zach LaVine is “very amenable” to accepting a trade to the Kings, per @sam_amick (theathletic.com/5145359/2023/1…).
Sacramento appears more interested in pursuing LaVine compared to Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby. pic.twitter.com/sXjg92w6A3 – 12:32 PM
Zach LaVine is “very amenable” to accepting a trade to the Kings, per @sam_amick (theathletic.com/5145359/2023/1…).
Sacramento appears more interested in pursuing LaVine compared to Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby. pic.twitter.com/sXjg92w6A3 – 12:32 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Shootaround in Philly
Alex Caruso was getting shots up normally. He’s questionable for tonight, appears to be trending positively.
Torrey Craig was in street clothes, which supports his “doubtful” designation on the IR. pic.twitter.com/Fd2QJMXHED – 12:17 PM
Shootaround in Philly
Alex Caruso was getting shots up normally. He’s questionable for tonight, appears to be trending positively.
Torrey Craig was in street clothes, which supports his “doubtful” designation on the IR. pic.twitter.com/Fd2QJMXHED – 12:17 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
NBA trade deadline season column…
Talking Zach LaVine-Lakers rumors with agent Rich Paul, the Kings’ next steps and Lauri Markkanen unplugged, at @TheAthletic
theathletic.com/5145359/2023/1… – 11:05 AM
NBA trade deadline season column…
Talking Zach LaVine-Lakers rumors with agent Rich Paul, the Kings’ next steps and Lauri Markkanen unplugged, at @TheAthletic
theathletic.com/5145359/2023/1… – 11:05 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso (sprained left ankle) is questionable and Torrey Craig is doubtful (sore right heel) for tonight’s game against the Sixers at the Wells Fargo Center. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine (inflamed right foot), and Lonzo Ball (left heel surgery) remain sidelined. pic.twitter.com/mRAHBCUtA5 – 6:54 AM
The Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso (sprained left ankle) is questionable and Torrey Craig is doubtful (sore right heel) for tonight’s game against the Sixers at the Wells Fargo Center. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine (inflamed right foot), and Lonzo Ball (left heel surgery) remain sidelined. pic.twitter.com/mRAHBCUtA5 – 6:54 AM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Bulls list Alex Caruso questionable and Torrey Craig doubtful vs. 76ers, who lead the NBA in net rating—and by a wide margin—at plus-12.1. – 2:33 PM
Bulls list Alex Caruso questionable and Torrey Craig doubtful vs. 76ers, who lead the NBA in net rating—and by a wide margin—at plus-12.1. – 2:33 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Vooch the first 19 games – 18th amongst starting centers in scoring (15.4 points per game), 15th in assists (3.1), and 14thin rebounding (10.1). Vooch the last 8 games with LaVine sidelined – 6th in assists (4.4), 7th in rebounding (11.8) and 9th in scoring (19 points per game). – 10:45 AM
Vooch the first 19 games – 18th amongst starting centers in scoring (15.4 points per game), 15th in assists (3.1), and 14thin rebounding (10.1). Vooch the last 8 games with LaVine sidelined – 6th in assists (4.4), 7th in rebounding (11.8) and 9th in scoring (19 points per game). – 10:45 AM
More on this storyline
Jovan Buha: Hey Darnell, thanks for doing this. What’s the latest you’re hearing from the Chicago side on a potential trade with the Lakers? Darnell Mayberry: 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. -via The Athletic / December 20, 2023
“I’ve played for Dwane Casey, he was coach of the year,” DeRozan said. “I played for Gregg Popovich, arguably one of the greatest coaches of all time, and playing for Billy, my personal opinion, he’s up there with those two guys just from the respect, the effort that you get from him. Even more so, he’s a guy you want to go out there and gain success, not just for yourself but for him, as well. “The love and respect that I have for Billy is right up there with what I had with the other two guys I mentioned. I’ve been lucky my entire career to have coaches like these guys. I tell a lot of the young players that you don’t really know what you have. To have such a great personable coach, hard-working coach in Billy, don’t ever take that for granted because it’s not always greener on the other side.” -via Chicago Sun-Times / December 18, 2023
The Bulls and DeRozan’s camp are still open to a new contract, according to a source, but talks are stalled. And while executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas will take calls on a DeRozan trade, he’s not making them. -via Chicago Sun-Times / December 17, 2023
Darnell Mayberry: Meanwhile, the Bulls’ strong recent play has demonstrated to the team’s management (and anyone paying attention) how much better Chicago functions without LaVine. The Bulls are 6-3 in their past nine games, own a +3.1 net rating and have outscored opponents by 31 points over that span. Whispers are growing louder about whether the Bulls even need LaVine. -via The Athletic / December 20, 2023
For all the public focus on the prospect of James and Davis teaming up with Zach LaVine with the Lakers, the overlooked part is that Kings star De’Aaron Fox is a major priority for Klutch Sports these days as well. Per league sources, LaVine would be very amenable to a Sacramento move that would make him Fox’s backcourt mate. -via The Athletic / December 18, 2023
KC Johnson: Bulls list Alex Caruso (left ankle sprain) and Patrick Williams (right calf strain) probable vs. Lakers. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are questionable. -via Twitter @KCJHoop / December 19, 2023
Julia Poe: Alex Caruso speaks to the longevity of LeBron James as the Bulls prepare to face the Lakers this week: “I have to put it in perspective… We see it from him year after year after year after year. You can get blinded by the greatness he puts up.” pic.twitter.com/ip1ZJXBPI0 -via Twitter @byjuliapoe / December 19, 2023