Trade Scenario No. 1 – Chicago Bulls
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G/F Talen Horton-Tucker, LAL 2022 1st Round Pick, LAL 2023 2nd Round Pick, LAL 2025 1st Round Pick
Much like the Bradley Beal trade, this trade would likely be a multi-team deal as the Chicago Bulls cannot bring in two extra players to their roster without either cutting two players or trading two of them away first. Financially, the Bulls are sound and can afford to bring in all three guys in this trade, but they do not have the roster room at the moment to do so without moving some players first.
Not only is Zach LaVine a high-level, All-Star like talent, but he is a player that the Los Angeles Lakers could trade for and keep for many years to come, far after LeBron James retires. 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, Zach 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 some key role players and draft picks as well. 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 can.
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.
