Bulls’ Zach LaVine interested in trade to Lakers

It seems the Chicago Bulls are finding no takers so far in their dialogue about a potential trade centered on guard Zach LaVine.

But if they could find a way to send LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers, well, he’d probably be OK with it.

Per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, LaVine and his representatives “obviously want Los Angeles because of the Klutch Sports connection.” Klutch Sports, of course, is the agency headed by Cleveland native Rich Paul — who also happens to be the agent for Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

LaVine’s large contract and current foot injury may have complicated talks, though the contract is viewed as a bigger deal than the foot. Also, the Bulls haven’t exactly been big winners with LaVine as one of their primary options (along with small forward DeMar DeRozan).

So if Chicago is able to move LaVine, it will likely have to get creative. It is not known if the Lakers have interest, or if they do, how strong that interest may be. Reports suggest they are at least aware that the Bulls and LaVine are open to a trade. The sides likely have talked as well.

LaVine may work well as a No. 3 man next to James and Davis, but you have to consider what the Lakers would be willing to surrender in return. The Bulls would want Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, and picks, and that may be just a starting point. So any trade can be tricky and some say LaVine may be in Chicago for at least the rest of the year for that very reason.

Some players who signed offseason contracts become eligible to be traded on Friday. We have that full list here. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 8.