Report: Lakers, Warriors Interested In Trading For Nikola Vucevic

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are interested in trading for Nikola Vucevic.

The Chicago Bulls are expected to trade Vucevic after trading Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings. 

“Vucevic has drawn trade interest from the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, most notably, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “Both the Warriors and Lakers intrigue Vucevic from afar, HoopsHype has learned.”

Vucevic is averaging 19.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season while shooting 55.1% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc and 82.2% from the free-throw line. He’s making $20 million. 

The Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, so Los Angeles needs a center. 

Meanwhile, the Warriors are looking to get more talent around Stephen Curry. 

“The Warriors are scouring the trade market, hoping to improve the roster around franchise star Stephen Curry to give him the best chance to compete for a championship in the remaining years of his career,” Scotto wrote. “Following the acquisition of Luka Doncic, the Lakers are also poised to contend for the foreseeable future.”

A two-time All-Star, Vucevic has played for the Orlando Magic and Bulls. He has career averages of 17.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists. 

“The Bulls have held out hope for a first-round pick for Vucevic but may have to settle for multiple second-round picks if they move him ahead of the deadline in the eyes of NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. 

The Lakers are in fifth place in the West, the Warriors are in 11th place in the West and the Bulls are in 10th place in the East. 

LeBron James will not request a trade from the Lakers. The leading scorer in NBA history has a no-trade clause in his contract. 

Even though LeBron was sad to see Davis go, he’s excited to play with Doncic.