Lakers’ $138M Star Target: Zach LaVine Considered Ideal Amid D’Angelo Russell’s Struggles
D’Angelo Russell on the court.
Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls is seen as an ideal trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers if they make a move, according to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report. Buckley argues that LaVine’s scoring ability and elite shooting could elevate the Lakers’ offense further.
Currently, the Lakers have a strong offense, ranking fifth with 116.8 points per 100 possessions after November 3, thanks to a complex offense focused on Anthony Davis’ MVP-level play. However, Buckley believes LaVine would be an upgrade over D’Angelo Russell, who has struggled to fit into this system.
Russell has averaged 12.2 points with 40.3% shooting and only 29.4% from three. He showed promise with 19 points and six assists in a win over the Raptors on November 1 but has been inconsistent. Meanwhile, LaVine, a two-time All-Star, has regained his top form, scoring 20 or more points in six of the Bulls’ first seven games, averaging 22.7 points with 49.5% overall and 45.8% three-point shooting.
Buckley points out that with LeBron James, Davis, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers would have ample playmaking even with LaVine. LaVine was the only player to average over 24 points and hit over 38% of his threes in at least 250 games from 2019 to 2023. LaVine still has three years and $138 million remaining on his five-year, $215 million deal, with a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27.
Report: Lakers Pursue Bulls Star
Clutchpoint’s Anthony Irwin reported on October 17 that trade discussions between the Lakers and Bulls could reignite for LaVine. The Lakers and Bulls previously discussed LaVine last season and briefly over the summer. With LaVine’s current health and performance, talks may resume.
Given the Lakers’ cap limitations, a trade for LaVine’s $43 million salary could require giving up three players—Russell, Rui Hachimura, and either Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent, as Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times noted. Such a deal would also create two open roster spots, allowing the Lakers to utilize their $5.2 million taxpayer midlevel exception.
LeBron’s Support for LaVine Trade
During the February trade deadline, LeBron James supported trading for LaVine, a Klutch Sports client, per The Athletic. Alongside Dejounte Murray, LaVine was a preferred option for James, but despite his interest, the Lakers decided not to pursue the trade.
After LaVine’s injuries lowered his trade value, the Bulls struggled to find a trade partner. However, with LaVine now healthy and performing well, the Lakers might consider revisiting the deal.
Alder Almo, an NBA reporter with over 15 years in the industry, covers the NBA for Heavy.com and previously covered the Knicks and other teams. Almo is based in Jersey City, NJ.