Recent reports suggest that the Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing a potential trade for Chicago Bulls’ star guard Zach LaVine, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
While the Lakers are interested in LaVine, his significant five-year, $215 million contract poses a challenge, requiring the Lakers to put together a compelling package of players.
Charania commented on the situation, saying, “I expect them to express interest in Zach LaVine. But he’s making almost $40 million. So to total the salaries to reach that amount in a trade, got D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, they’re not both not trade eligible until mid-January.”
In any potential deal, Charania emphasizes that the Bulls would likely covet Lakers’ guard Austin Reaves, a player the Lakers have been hesitant to part with in previous trade talks.
“To this point, the Lakers have not been inclined to move Austin Reaves, they didn’t put him in a deal for Kyrie Irving,” he said.
Charania also noted, “If you’re the Lakers and you’re out there trying to pursue a third star, whether that’s Zach LaVine, anyone else that becomes available, the player that teams will ask about is Austin Reaves one hundred percent.”
Despite the Lakers’ reluctance to move Reaves, the dynamics of the trade market and the Lakers’ ambition to capitalize on the stellar performances of LeBron James and Anthony Davis could influence their stance.
As the trade landscape evolves, the Lakers face strategic decisions on potential trade assets, including Reaves, to enhance their roster and capitalize on the current high-level performances of their star players.
