NBA Trade: Los Angeles Lakers acquire ex-Bulls star for a reported $90M
If an NBA superstar becomes involved in trade rumors, the Los Angeles Lakers will almost certainly be mentioned as a potential suitor.
This is especially the case as LeBron James enters the final years of his NBA career, because the Lakers need to upgrade their roster in order to be considered a real threat in the Western Conference.
Finding a star who can help James win now while also helping lead the Lakers alongside Anthony Davis in a post-James world is no easy task. This player is likely not currently available, and if he were to become available, the Lakers would have to pay a steep price.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to the Chicago Bulls in trade rumors for the better part of a year. Those reports and speculation pieces have generally centered around DeMar DeRozan, who has since joined the Sacramento Kings, and Zach LaVine, who remains in consideration.
The third All-Star in Chicago has been steadily overlooked, but as the Lakers attempt to find the answer at center, it’s an option that’s being externally considered.
LaVine isn’t the only Bulls player whom Los Angeles should inquire about. After acknowledging the concerns about LaVine’s contract and injury history, Pincus suggested Nikola Vucevic as an alternative option for the Lakers to pursue.
It’s an interesting proposition, especially with how significant the void at center has become in the aftermath of Christian Wood undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.
There’s reason to be intrigued by Vucevic, who ranks among the most productive centers of his generation. There’s also ample reason to be dissuaded from pursuing a trade, with few facts as damning as the combination of age and a possible decline in progress.
Nevertheless, Vucevic is an intriguing player for the Lakers to consider acquiring—starting with the fact that he’s among the best options to address one of the team’s most significant flaws.