Los Angeles Lakers Encouraged to Pursue Trade for Chicago Bulls Star
The Los Angeles Lakers have exceeded expectations early this season. Heading into the campaign, doubts lingered about their ability to secure a guaranteed playoff spot. However, if they continue this level of performance, those concerns may be silenced.
Currently holding a 10-5 record and sitting fourth in the Western Conference, the Lakers have been impressive. Anthony Davis is performing at an MVP level, while LeBron James, nearing his 40th birthday, continues to average 24 points per game.
Adding to their success is rookie Dalton Knetch, who has emerged as a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. Knetch is already making a strong case for a starting role, further bolstering the team.
The pieces are falling into place for the Lakers, but they may still need one more addition to solidify their status as true contenders. Could that missing piece be a seasoned player from the Chicago Bulls?
While Zach LaVine has been a common topic of trade speculation, his teammate Nikola Vucevic might be an equally intriguing option for the Lakers to consider.
Vucevic has started the season in spectacular form, averaging 20.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. He’s also shooting at career-high percentages: 57.7% from the field and 46.1% from beyond the arc.
Even if his efficiency decreases slightly as the season progresses, Vucevic could still provide valuable contributions for the Lakers.
In a Bleacher Report article titled “1 Trade Every NBA Team Should Propose Right Now”, Dan Favale proposed a trade scenario where the Lakers acquire Vucevic. In exchange, the Chicago Bulls would receive D’Angelo Russell, Christian Wood, and a 2025 second-round pick (via the Clippers).
The Lakers currently need a reliable big man, and Vucevic would fill that void. At 34, he may not be a long-term solution, but as long as LeBron remains with the team, the Lakers will prioritize a “win now” approach.