Lakers Floated as Trade Destination for Zach LaVine

“It may seem like the national media is obligated to rank the Los Angeles Lakers in every discussion like this, but there is some legitimate logic to LaVine landing there,” Bailey wrote. “LaVine is a client of Klutch, the same agency that represents LeBron James.”

Bailey explained why LaVine might be worth the cost to the Lakers despite his red flags as a player.

“Even though LaVine’s injury history and contract make him a gamble for any team, the fact that the Lakers are routinely scoring 20 points per game as LeBron reaches his 40s could take some pressure off him. LaVine’s outside shooting could also draw defensive attention away from Anthony Davis inside.

LaVine hasn’t played since Jan. 18. He underwent season-ending foot surgery after battling injury throughout the 2023-24 season. Having only made the playoffs once, he doesn’t really have a chance of winning. For this reason, his acquisition may not cost the Lakers that much.

Bulls could trade Zach LaVine this offseason: report

Since acquiring LaVine, the Bulls haven’t had much success as a team. They have only made the playoffs once and lost to the Bucks in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

Because they didn’t see much progress, Chicago explored the possibility of trading LaVine. NBC Sports Chicago’s KC Johnson reported that not only were the Bulls close to trading him, but they could revisit the issue during the upcoming offseason.

“The Bulls engaged in several trade conversations centered around meeting LaVine until last offseason. When this season got off to a bad start, the Bulls and LaVine’s representation agreed to be open to trying to find LaVine a new home. But NBC Sports Chicago reported last month that LaVine never specifically asked to be traded.

“Nevertheless, the Bulls committed to the Detroit Pistons before the February 8 trade deadline, but gained little ground by moving LaVine. A source said the Bulls would look to trade LaVine again this offseason,” Johnson wrote. in a story from March 9.

If the Lakers aren’t making progress and want to make a splash, LaVine could be their guy.

LeBron James approved potential Zach LaVine trade

LeBron James has had interest in playing with LaVine in the past. The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Jovan Buha and Anthony Slater reported that LaVine was among the players James wanted to play with.

“James was also in favor of trading the Lakers for Dejounte Murray or Zach LaVine — two Klutch Sports clients — in the weeks and months leading up to the 2024 trade deadline, according to these sources,” they reported. in a story from February 14.

James has a player option in 2024, so he could potentially hit free agency. If he stays with the Lakers, he could also make a case for them to add a star like LaVine to put them back in contention.