The Los Angeles Lakers’ summer has been pretty quiet so far, despite the team being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year. Los Angeles has tried to improve its roster, but nothing has come of it yet.
The team has been linked to several names across the NBA this offseason, but management has made it clear that they won’t make a trade just for the sake of it. The Lakers have once again been linked to Chicago Bulls point guard Zach LaVine, but his contract remains a major hurdle.
LaVine has also dealt with a few injuries in recent seasons, which has caused his value in the NBA to plummet. But when healthy, he’s one of the most fun players to watch on the ball.
On social media, LaVine posted a video of himself doing a dunk, showing extreme athleticism. There has been talk of the possibility that he might lose a step on the court due to the injuries he has suffered, but LaVine seems to want to put an end to that situation.
Zach LaVine = always explosive
(h/t @Bullskickass) pic.twitter.com/uKAXlwRUcc
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 16, 2024
LaVine’s arrival would satisfy the Lakers’ desire to recruit a three-star player, placing him alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It would also be a homecoming of sorts for LaVine, who played his college basketball at UCLA.
Adding his explosiveness to the team would certainly give the Lakers a boost on offense. He can score from all levels of the floor, giving the team another option if James or Davis have to sit on the bench or miss games.
Still, he’s set to make $43 million next season, $45.9 million next season and finally has a $48.9 million player option in his final year. His contract has been a hurdle in the Bulls’ attempts to trade him, which likely indicates he’ll stay in Chicago, at least for now.
Even if the Lakers aren’t willing to pay a high price for his contract, if the team were to find itself desperate, LaVine could be an attractive target. As a third option, LaVine could make the Lakers one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA.
But for now, it seems like the Lakers are content to enter the season with a similar roster to last season. They believe in their group, led by the team’s two superstars.
More Lakers: Lakers legend Michael Cooper reacts emotionally to his jersey number being retired
