Report: Lakers Could Attempt To Trade For Zach LaVine Again

According to NBA writer Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Los Angeles Lakers could attempt to trade for Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine again. 

LaVine, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group).

“One name league sources say to keep an eye on is Zach LaVine, who has played well in preseason in his return from foot surgery,” Irwin wrote. “Chicago and the Lakers held trade talks last season and briefly over the summer, and sources say those talks will almost assuredly pick up back this year with LaVine looking healthy again.”

LaVine played in only 25 games for the Bulls last season. He underwent season-ending right foot surgery in February.

A two-time All-Star, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks last season while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 85.4% from the free-throw line.

A UCLA product, LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. The two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion signed a five-year, $215 million contract with Chicago in July 2022.

LaVine, who turns 30 in March, will make $43 million this season and $45 million in 2025-26.

The Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games, while the Bulls missed the postseason for the second consecutive campaign. 

Los Angeles fired Darvin Ham as head coach and hired former NBA guard JJ Redick, who was podcast partners with LeBron. 

Redick played 15 years in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.

NBA sources have told Hoops Wire that Lakers players have “loved” everything Redick has brought to the table. 

Those same sources also said that Lakers players “hated” playing for Ham, who is now an assistant coach with the Bucks.