Writer Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times provided the information, adding that the Bulls still haven’t found a home for LaVine. Bulls Vice President Arturas Karnisovas isn’t worried about the matter despite this, but if things continue this could change.
His plans would be drastically changed if moving LaVine takes longer than he anticipates. Karnisovas should have moved LaVine by or around January 15th, as the remaining players who signed offseason deals are eligible to be dealt after that date. This will give him at least 10 to 15 games to see what the Bulls will look like after LaVine leaves, and it will also allow him to make decisions regarding DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso.
The Lakers are reportedly reluctant to make moves at the deadline and would rather assess the team after they return to full strength, which is consistent with the most recent rumors out of Chicago. The purple and gold are also not actively shopping D’Angelo Russell, who would be the centerpiece of any deal for LaVine, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, and Gabe Vincent might also be traded, Scotto said.
Zach LaVine: Does the Lakers Need Him?
The Lakers defeated the Spurs 122-119 on Wednesday night to move up to 15-10 (5th in the West). A ton of commentary linking them to LaVine has been available.
A month after the first report that LaVine was available for a trade, HoopsHype contributor Yossi Gozlan stated that the Lakers make sense for LaVine right now:
In order to trade him, how much will Chicago demand from the Lakers or any other team? Are they content to simply stop using that money and perhaps take a small amount of value if they’re not receiving the kind of value they want?
According to Scotto, the Lakers must “determine if it is worth it to have LaVine as the obvious third guy at his salary, or do you try to do it more by committee like they did last year.”
For the first time this season, the Lakers are almost ready to have a fully healthy roster. As trade season draws closer, it makes sense for Rob Pelinka and company to assess the roster. If the group continues on its current course
Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic cautioned that the Lakers might not be as good of a fit as they appeared to be:
“I wouldn’t say LaVine is a perfect fit in Los Angeles. Buddy Hield was involved, and the Lakers botched the transaction. LaVine’s shooting ability makes him sound perfect next to LeBron. However, start LaVine against the Lakers, stash him in the corner, and observe the outcome. There could be a big difference between what we believe is best for LaVine and what LaVine may desire for LaVine.
Final Word
His trade market will become apparent in due course, and the LaVine sweepstakes may very well go on until the trade deadline. The Lakers are wise to wait on making any trades as they start to see the results of their labors with a healthy roster. According to a proverb, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
