Lakers Eye $36 Million, 18.9 PPG Bulls Guard to Bolster LeBron’s Title Quest via Summer Trade
As the Los Angeles Lakers aim to make another deep run into the NBA Playoffs and compete for a championship, their focus is likely shifting toward building a more formidable roster. While the Lakers have been buoyed by LeBron James’ exceptional leadership and performance, the reality remains that the team is in search of more star power to complement him. With the 2023-2024 season slowly winding down, rumors are starting to circulate that the Lakers could look to add another key piece through a trade this summer. One name that has gained traction is Chicago Bulls guard, Zach LaVine.
The Situation with LeBron James and the Lakers’ Championship Hopes
LeBron James, now in his 21st season, has defied father time with his consistent excellence on the court. While he’s shown no signs of slowing down, the 38-year-old has already acknowledged that his time at the top of the NBA is limited. With that in mind, the Lakers’ management and front office are likely focused on giving him as many chances as possible to win another title before his career comes to an end.
After a remarkable playoff run in 2023, where the Lakers made it to the Western Conference Finals, the team’s brass will likely be eyeing ways to improve their chances of returning to the Finals in the coming years. The Lakers, despite being competitive, still need help to get over the top, especially with the looming dominance of teams like the Denver Nuggets, the Phoenix Suns, and the Golden State Warriors in the West.
Though the Lakers have a strong supporting cast, they remain in need of another potent scorer and playmaker who can ease the burden on LeBron James, especially with Anthony Davis often dealing with injuries. That’s where a player like Zach LaVine enters the conversation.
Zach LaVine: A Scoring Threat and All-Around Talent
At 28 years old, LaVine is in the prime of his career and boasts an impressive skill set. The Bulls’ guard is a high-flying athlete with elite scoring ability, averaging 18.9 points per game this season. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor—whether it’s through three-point shooting, driving to the basket, or mid-range jump shots—makes him a versatile and valuable offensive weapon.
LaVine’s shooting has been stellar in recent years, with him boasting a career three-point shooting percentage of 37%. His athleticism allows him to thrive in transition, and his ability to create his own shot could be a vital asset alongside LeBron James, who is often the focal point of the offense. While LaVine has not been widely considered a true number-one option on a contending team, he certainly possesses the ability to serve as a secondary scorer and playmaker.
The former UCLA standout is also a solid defender and has made strides in that area in recent seasons. While not a lockdown defender, LaVine is capable of holding his own, particularly against guards and wings. His improvement on that end of the floor would make him an even better fit for the Lakers, who already have a strong defensive backbone with Davis and LeBron.
The $36 Million Contract: A Hurdle and a Bargaining Chip
One of the primary hurdles for the Lakers in acquiring LaVine is his hefty contract. Currently, LaVine is in the second year of a five-year, $215 million deal, which will pay him a total of $36 million in the 2024-2025 season. This sizable commitment will likely require the Lakers to make significant roster moves to make the trade work financially. However, the Lakers have a few assets at their disposal, including players who might no longer fit into their long-term plans and expiring contracts.
For the Lakers to make a serious push for LaVine, they could consider moving players like D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, or even Rui Hachimura—who are all on the books for varying amounts of money next season. Additionally, the Lakers have some future draft picks they can use to sweeten the deal. While the trade may cost the Lakers in terms of player depth, it could be worth the sacrifice if it means bringing in a player of LaVine’s caliber to pair with LeBron James.
On the flip side, the Chicago Bulls will likely be looking to rebuild or retool, given their current position in the standings. As the Bulls continue to struggle to make significant playoff pushes, moving LaVine in a trade could make sense for their future. With the Bulls having other solid pieces like DeMar DeRozan and the emerging star in Lauri Markkanen (who was traded away previously), they could look to move LaVine in exchange for younger talent and draft picks. The Lakers, with their win-now mentality, would be the perfect destination for LaVine.
How LaVine Fits in with the Lakers’ Championship Contention
If the Lakers were to land Zach LaVine, he could potentially form a dynamic trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With James being the primary playmaker and Davis holding down the fort in the paint, LaVine would give the Lakers another reliable scoring option who can create his own offense.
One of the main reasons the Lakers struggled in their playoff series against teams like the Denver Nuggets was the lack of consistent scoring outside of LeBron and Davis. While role players like Austin Reaves have stepped up, the Lakers’ offense still lacks that consistent third option that can carry the load when needed. LaVine could be that guy. His ability to space the floor with his three-point shooting and his ability to attack the rim would make the Lakers’ offense far more dynamic and difficult to defend.
Furthermore, LaVine’s presence could relieve some of the pressure on LeBron, allowing the superstar to conserve more energy during the regular season. This is especially critical given LeBron’s age and the fact that the Lakers will likely be looking to limit his minutes in order to keep him fresh for the playoffs. LaVine could also help lessen the burden on Davis, who has been asked to do a lot both offensively and defensively.
On the defensive end, LaVine would also fit well with the Lakers. While he’s not a defensive specialist, the Lakers already have elite defenders in LeBron and Davis. LaVine’s ability to hold his own defensively and his athleticism would provide some added versatility in matchups, especially when playing against teams with explosive wing players.
Conclusion: A Bold Move for LeBron’s Last Push
If the Los Angeles Lakers are serious about competing for a title in the final years of LeBron James’ career, adding another star is paramount. Zach LaVine, with his $36 million contract, 18.9 points per game, and scoring versatility, could be the perfect addition to a Lakers roster that still has championship aspirations. While the financial and roster hurdles are significant, the Lakers have the assets to make a deal work and should be willing to take a calculated risk to give LeBron the best possible chance at a fifth NBA title.
In the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, this summer trade could prove to be the catalyst that propels the Lakers back into championship contention, giving LeBron the support he needs as he chases yet another illustrious title before his career comes to a close.
