The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a somewhat disappointing 6-5 start this season. While they have a three-game winning streak, fans are already thinking trade.
Some fans still want the team to go after a third star to place alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis or at least a difference-making complementary piece. While it is too early for most teams to make such a trade, the rumor mill is already lighting up.
In the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls are sinking into quicksand with a 5-7 record. Just a couple of years after they looked like rising contenders, it is clear they’re going nowhere fast. That predicament has led to rumors they may be poised for a fire sale.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha said on “Hoops Tonight with Jason Timpf” that if or when the Bulls do so, the Lakers will try to land Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan (h/t Lakers Daily).
“I think there’s gonna be a Chicago fire sale,” Buha said. “So, Alex Caruso is obviously a Laker favorite, but Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan — those have been two guys the Lakers have been interested in for several seasons now — DeMar, even going back to the Toronto days, but also in San Antonio. So, I look at those — maybe one of those three as a target for L.A. come the trade deadline, or maybe sooner, depending on when Chicago decides to blow it up. … I think if Chicago has a fire sale, I think the Lakers are gonna be calling them and trying to get in that mix.”
Caruso, of course, was a Laker a few years ago and a key role player on their 2020 championship team, not to mention a huge cult favorite. While he is offensively limited, he is an elite defender who will sacrifice his body to go after loose balls and make hustle plays.
One NBA executive already said he believes the Lakers could look to reacquire him after they let him leave in free agency in 2021.
Meanwhile, LaVine has been periodically linked to the Lakers over the last few years. While he may not be the best fit for them, he is an attractive piece because of his ability to score and throw down highlight dunks.
DeRozan could be an even rougher fit because of his inability to hit 3-pointers. But he is a proven veteran facilitator, and he can produce points in crunch time, something that could take some pressure off an aging James.