The Chicago Bulls have long been searching for a landing spot for guard Zach LaVine.
The 29-year-old has dealt with knee injuries the last few seasons and missed all but 25 games in the 2023-24 campaign. He’s also still owed $43.3 million this year, $45.9 million next year and has a player option for $48.9 million in 2026-27 that he’s almost certain to pick up.
Add in the league’s second apron complications that come into play for contending teams, and it becomes a recipe for lots of “Thanks, but no thanks” responses to a LaVine deal—even as the two-time All-Star returns to prolific scoring form.
The most recent rumor involves the Denver Nuggets, who reportedly hold significant interest in acquiring LaVine to slot in next to three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.
Even that trade has its complications.
As the Bulls continue to search for landing spots for their star guard, one high-profile Western Conference team can be crossed off the list, according to a recent report.
Bulls’ Zach LaVine will not be traded to Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are connected to any star or pseudo-star who could potentially become available at any moment. LaVine is not exempt from that list.
As LeBron James approaches his final NBA days in search of one last ring, Anthony Davis remains healthy and the Lakers are a playoff team, LA is a threat to strike a deal. Given LaVine’s availability and status as one of the league’s most efficient scorers this season, rumors naturally follow.
Don’t expect Los Angeles to be a landing spot for Chicago’s most expensive player, however.
While Jovan Buha of The Athletic says a LaVine-Lakers trade is “certainly possible,” he cites the UCLA product’s expensive contract and defensive deficiencies as reasons why he wouldn’t be worthwhile for LA to try and finagle a deal for.
“”I will say they did have some interest in him last year, and ultimately, I think that the contract was a little too rich for them … I think anyone they add needs to be average to above-average defensively, if not better. That’s my biggest issue with LaVine.””
Jovan Buha, The Athletic
The return in any Lakers deal wouldn’t be as attractive for Chicago as a potential Nuggets trade.
D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent would have to be included to match LaVine’s salary, and even if the Bulls could pry Austin Reaves away and/or acquire a future first-round pick, getting Michael Porter Jr. from Denver would be a better move.
So sure, anything is possible this time of year, but it seems safe to cross the Lakers off as a LaVine suitor.
