NBA TradeNews

1 Issue Preventing A Lakers, Bulls Zach LaVine Trade

1 Issue Preventing A Lakers, Bulls Zach LaVine Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers need a shot in the arm. This season has not gone to plan for them, and the roster as presently constructed doesn’t appear capable of competing for a championship.

Last year, multiple deals done ahead of the NBA Trade Dealdine salvaged L.A.’s otherwise-lost campaign. History will need to repeat itself in 2024.

Over the past few months, the Lakers have been closely linked to a trade for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine.

They are one of four teams in the hunt for his services.

That being said, one big roadblock is currently preventing a deal for LaVine from being made.

“Perhaps a strong return to play, with the defensive effort he once showed for Team USA that intrigued NBA evaluators, could add some momentum for a LaVine deal,” NBA insider Corey Hansford reported this past week.

“The struggling Lakers do forecast as the most sensible landing spot for the 28-year-old former All-Star, even though Los Angeles, too, has so far indicated a hesitancy to take on LaVine’s money.”

Last season LaVine signed a contract with the Bulls paying him $215 million over five years. Almost immediately, murmurs started that he wouldn’t stay in Chicago through the completion of that deal.

At the time, LaVine expressed interest in going to one specific team.

Circumstances have since changed, though.

The Bulls have made their asking price for LaVine a matter of public record. Whether L.A. wants to meet it or not is their prerogative.

As things presently stand, the Lakers are also one of two frontrunners for Bojan Bogdanovic and have been linked to deals for three big-name point guards.

If the front office determines that one of those moves makes more sense than LaVine, then obviously that is the path they will take.

If LaVine’s star power is more alluring, though – it really wouldn’t be all that shocking to see the Lakers figure out a way to make something happen ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.

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Jennifer Withers Hoey

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
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