Amid the Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles over the past few weeks, many have discussed what type of trade they should make and who they should target to get the franchise back on track.
Perhaps the trade target being talked about the most is the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine, a high-flying off-guard who has made the All-Star team twice. He could give the Lakers a legitimate third scoring threat as well as added speed and athleticism.
There will certainly be other teams looking to trade for the 28-year-old University of California, Los Angeles product, which would make it difficult for L.A. to land him. Another complication is his large contract, which will pay him over $40 million a year through the 2026-27 season.
Reportedly, the Purple and Gold are reluctant to take on that contract.
Via Yahoo Sports:
“The market for Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine still has been quiet, as interested teams remain reluctant to absorb the four seasons and roughly $180 million remaining on his contract,” wrote Jake Fischer. “LaVine is trending toward a return Friday from a weeks-long absence due to right foot inflammation. 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. 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, sources said.”
One also has to question how LaVine would fit offensively on a Lakers team that has LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The other question is how would the team hide his defensive deficiencies.
The guard has been hampered by injuries lately, and his numbers are down this season. He’s putting up 21 points a game on 44.3% shooting from the field and 33.6% from 3-point range this year, which is down from 24.8 points per game on 48.5% overall and 37.5% from downtown last season.