Lakers Eye Zach LaVine Trade to Boost Struggling Offense

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Despite a sluggish start to the 2024-25 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers remain in playoff contention, holding the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference after 36 games. However, the team is reportedly exploring a blockbuster trade to acquire Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine, aiming to bolster their offensive firepower.

“If a Zach LaVine trade does go down, expect Rui Hachimura to headline the package that the Bulls want and receive,” wrote Quenton Albertie of Last Word on Sports on Saturday. “His latent potential could become fully realized in the Windy City.”

The proposed deal would also involve Lakers players Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Jaxson Hayes to match salaries. Hood-Schifino and Hayes are on expiring contracts, which could provide Chicago with cap relief. However, the Bulls may hesitate to take on Vincent and Vanderbilt, with the latter owed $12 million annually through 2028.

“A third team, particularly one with cap space or a trade exception, could help facilitate the deal,” Albertie added. If completed, the Lakers would field a starting lineup featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, and LaVine, with a second unit of Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, Shake Milton, and Christian Wood.

While the trade would leave the Lakers thinner in depth, it could significantly strengthen their rotations. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is averaging 24.0 points per game this season, shooting a career-best 45.0% from three-point range. His ability to score at all levels, including gravity-defying dunks and stop-and-pop jumpers, would provide a much-needed offensive boost for the Lakers.

LaVine’s trade value has risen steadily despite the Bulls’ struggles, making him an attractive target for Los Angeles. The Lakers, who have been disappointed by Gabe Vincent’s performance since his arrival from the Miami Heat, see LaVine as a potential game-changer for their backcourt.

“Essentially, they’ll be a thinner team, but stronger,” Albertie noted. “It’s not an exact science, but they should certainly be better at the offensive end. Twenty-plus points per game from LaVine in the starting unit is more useful than 11-plus points per game from Hachimura.”

The Lakers’ front office faces the challenge of convincing the Bulls to accept the proposed package, but the potential payoff could be a more dynamic and competitive roster as they push for a deep playoff run.