Lakers Officially Targeting Zach LaVine
The Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers have 11 wins so far to start their disappointing season. Neither roster was ever seriously considered a championship-caliber team going into the regular season, but neither team was projected to miss the playoffs. With an aging LeBron James on the roster, the Lakers are in desperation mode, trying to swing for the fences using their two future unprotected draft picks. Jake Fisher from Bleacher Report said both assets could be on the line for Zach LaVine.
“The Los Angeles Lakers seemingly have a rather long wish list of potential trade targets. Another name that can be added to that list is Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. LaVine is the sort of player that could get the Lakers to part with two future unprotected first-round picks.” said jake fisher
Should The Bulls Consider Trading Zach LaVine?
You can call it either a retool or a rebuild, but trading Zach LaVine at the age of 27 locked into a five-year deal is a risky move. Zach LaVine’s stats have taken a nosedive this season, averaging the lowest points, assists, and rebounds per game over the past three years. That said, he’s the only asset under the age of 30 on this team that is worth building around. If the Bulls start trading away additional draft picks and double down on this aging team, they can rely on Zach LaVine in the future to keep them relevant if things don’t work out.
Potential Trade Between Lakers And Bulls
Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine and Coby White
Lakers Trade: Russell Westbrook, 2027 & 2029 unprotected first-round picks.
Keeping Zach LaVine this season will make the Bulls a fringe play-in team. By swapping LaVine for Westbrook, they’re still in the same playoff situation. The only difference would be they would now own the two most valuable assets in the NBA, knowing LeBron James’ days are numbered in the NBA and Anthony Davis’ inability to stay healthy.
The Lakers would be adding a young star to their relatively old team. While Anthony Davis’ birth certificate may say he’s only 29 years old, his body seems to believe he’s in his 40s. LeBron James just celebrated his 37th birthday, which historically means he’s reaching the end of his career. By plugging in Zach LaVine as the secondary scorer to Anthony Davis in the regular season and the third scoring option in the playoffs, the Lakers will increase their odds of making the playoffs despite their slow start. If Zach Lavine can’t pull them out of the gutters, the Bulls’ new picks they acquired from the Lakers will get even more valuable than ever.