The struggling Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have interest in trading for a two-time All-Star guard to bolster their offense.
The Lakers’ 133-107 road win against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night eased some of the frustrations in La La Land, but it’s clear that another scorer is needed to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis if this club is to compete for another championship.
Speaking on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back” program (h/t Josh Buckhalter of Heavy Sports), Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reports that the Lakers would have interest in trading for Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine.
According to Sharania, the Bulls would “would covet” 25-year-old guard Austin Reaves as part of the return for LaVine:
“I expect them to express interest in Zach LaVine. But he’s making almost $40 million.
The Bulls, I’m sure, would covet Austin Reaves in any potential Zach LaVine trade, as any team would. If you’re 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, 100%.”
The Lakers acquired future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook via trade two years ago, hoping he’d be the final piece of another championship puzzle. Westbrook wasn’t a fit with James and Davis, however, and he was traded to the Utah Jazz ahead of last season’s deadline.
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Westbrook was bought out and ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he has flourished in a limited role.
The 28-year-old LaVine averaged 21 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game through the Bulls’ first 18 games of 2023-24. He’s shooting 44.3 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from downtown.
LaVine may carry a hefty contract, but the Lakers will always be in win-now mode as long as they have James and Davis. LaVine definitely makes sense for the Purple and Gold as long as the asking price from the Bulls is reasonable.
