Lakers highly unlikely to trade for Bulls’ Zach LaVine

The Los Angeles Lakers are always at the center of every trade rumor, and Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is said to be highly available.

But when it comes to the Lakers trading for LaVine, “don’t count on it,” respected ESPN insider Dave McMenamin reported on the air.

LaVine prefers to get traded to the Lakers, sources said, but it doesn’t appear as if that dream will come true. He is represented by Rich Paul, whose extensive client list includes Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Paul has gone on record saying he does not have a specific destination in mind for LaVine.

That may be a good thing, given that the market isn’t exactly robust for the UCLA product. There’s a sense he could remain with the Bulls not just this season, but beyond.

As for the Lakers, there does seem to be some interest in other Paul clients — such as Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray and Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton, per McMenamin.

Los Angeles is 21-21 and could certainly use some help. The Lakers are particularly looking for speed and athleticism at the wing spots, reports suggest.

Lavine’s deal may indeed be a sticking point, per multiple reports. He signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. That means he is due $40 million this season and $43 million next. He will then earn $45 million in 2025-26. 

LaVine is averaging 20.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists this season, shooting 45 percent from the field and 35 percent on 3-pointers. The Bulls are just 9-15 with him in the lineup, 10-7 without him. He has undergone two knee surgeries in his career and missed 17 games this season with foot inflammation.

LaVine, 28, has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists with the Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Pregame @SportsCenter hit with @KevinNegandhi on the Lakers’ current starting lineup iteration. Plus a couple of names they could target in trades – and another name that they likely won’t pic.twitter.com/4y25TMCO3o

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 18, 2024