Should The Lakers Trade For Zach LaVine?

Should The Lakers Trade For Zach LaVine?

The Bulls have a Zach LaVine problem and it really isn’t a secret. The former UCLA product is firmly on the trade block. The only problem is that LaVine has absolutely zero trade market. The most hilarious part is Chicago has played better since LaVine got hurt.

Bulls win% this season:

.278 — With Zach LaVine
.636 — Without Zach LaVine pic.twitter.com/rhqPjdomB6

— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 21, 2023

The contract here is also gross and not in a good way. LaVine signed an extension in 2022 and is still under contract through the 2026-27 season where he has a player option that year. Who the hell wants to sign up for this mess? Given the way Coby White is playing, Chicago probably wants LaVine out of there anyway.

It’s hard to find a logical trade partner for LaVine. The landing spot that might make the most sense is the Lakers. D’Angelo Russell is flawed in his own way. The Lakers also don’t feel like a real contender in a packed Western Conference. Would a LaVine trade built around Russell get you closer?

LaVine just feels like such a LeBron reclamation project. Can LaVine make his 3’s while functioning in less of a ball-dominant role? If nothing else, I’m sure LaVine would be thrilled to return to the city where he played collegiate basketball.

Zach LaVine on Bulls: ‘Something isn’t working’

Most teams probably shouldn’t make a trade for LaVine. The Lakers are different. They’re in a position where they have to squeeze every ounce that LeBron James has left. They’re going to cash in that Russell piece at some point. Does it make sense to do so in a deal involving LaVine? On some level, it sure makes sense, and putting that type of athlete around LeBron may be worth the gamble.

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