Zach LaVine – Chicago Bulls
Not only is Zach LaVine a high-level, All-Star like talent, but he is a player that the Lakers could trade for and keep for many years to come, far after LeBron James retires. In a trade for LaVine, the Lakers would have to trade numerous draft picks, along with the likes of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma to make the financial work, however, this trade could not occur until near the trade deadline given Caldwell-Pope’s trade restriction discussed earlier in the DeMar DeRozan trade scenario.
Zach LaVine has been a fantastic player over the years for the Chicago Bulls and was a border-line All-Star last year. In 60 games last year, LaVine averaged 25.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and shot 45% from the floor and 38% from three-point range.
Bringing in a player like Zach LaVine to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis would almost be unfair and would set the Lakers up for numerous NBA champions over the next few years. There would be no way to stop the Los Angeles Lakers offensively as they would have just too many weapons and high-level scorers.
With the Bulls over the years, LaVine has evolved from just another athletic wing, to a 3-level scorer who can play with or without the ball in his hands. He has been getting better and better every season as a passer and also on the defense end of the court, where most of the question marks about LaVine’s game lie.
Given that he is only owed $19.5M this season, the Lakers acquiring Zach LaVine is very do-able, but the Lakers would have to be willing to part ways with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma and likely Alex Caruso. Unless they get a verbal commitment from LaVine that he would sign long-term the Lakers would likely pass up on the opportunity to trade for him, but if he is all-in on Los Angeles’ plans for him, then they need to execute this trade as soon as they could.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell and Zach LaVine are all guys who can not only go for double-digit points on any given night, but go for 20+ points on any given night! LaVine is the perfect player to add for the Los Angeles Lakers and if they are able to put together a good enough trade package to land him, then good luck beating this team.
