Zach LaVine is on the trading block and wants to be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The popular NBA Insider, Shams Charania of The Athletic, believes that the Lakers could pursue LaVine’s trade.
Could the Lakers be the Frontrunners for the Bulls’ Star Guard Zach LaVine?
Zach LaVine, the 2-time All-Star, is parting ways with the Chicago Bulls. He has expressed his desire to land in the Heat, Sixers, Lakers, Sacramento Kings, or San Antonio Spurs, as per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
However, the veteran has a no-trade clause in his contract due to which the Bulls can trade him to any team they want.
"I expect them to express interest in Zach LaVine."
– @ShamsCharaniaDo the Lakers need a 3rd star??
📺: https://t.co/qYBPWhYgh7 pic.twitter.com/8dszo21Fcu
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) November 28, 2023
However, Charania believes that the Lakers are more likely to pursue LaVine’s trade than other NBA teams. LaVine has the same agent as the Lakers’ superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Rich Paul.
“Trade Jalen for Zach LaVine”
“Put jalen in a trade package for Paul George”Whole time they out here struggling too smh . pic.twitter.com/3RWfIVzNwS
— Trevion G. (@popitfortre1moX) November 29, 2023
While the Lakers are confident and ready to trade for LaVine, his contract is holding them back. Zach has a salary of about $40.1 million for this season. Moreover, the star player has a remaining contract of about $138 million for the next 3 years. Not only that, but LaVine has a player option worth $49 million for the 2026-27 NBA Season.
Lakers Eyeing Zach LaVine Despite Hefty Contract
The Slam Dunk Contest winner is currently averaging around 22.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game for the Chicago Bulls while having a shooting average of 45.3% from the floor, 34.4% from the 3-point, and 86.6% from the free throw line.
LaVine has scored his career high of about 51 points in the current season while playing against the Detroit Pistons on October 28th. The Bulls’ star has signed a 5-year contract for a whopping $215 million in 2022.
According to Charania, the Lakers are most likely to move D’Angelo Russel to acquire LaVine. Alongside Russel, they may also move Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves with 2 future picks.
However, the Lakers can’t make a move now since most of their players on the roster are ineligible for trade. They will have to wait until 15 December, when their players will be eligible to trade, to trade for LaVine.
