With just over two weeks to go before the NBA trade deadline, it has become clear the Los Angeles Lakers are intent on making a move in order to improve their roster. However, if the recent past has been any indication, they will likely refrain from paying a heavy price to do so or acquiring a player who wouldn’t fit in or move the needle much.
One player they have been rumored to be targeting is Chicago Bulls wing Zach LaVine. A two-time All-Star, he would seem to be a prudent target on the surface because of his career average of 20.5 points a game and ability to deliver highlight dunks.
But according to the Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike, that interest has all but fizzled out. Woike mentioned that LaVine’s contract and injury concerns are deal breakers.
"[Zach LaVine's] name does not come up when I talk to people about Laker trades."@DanWoikeSports talks what he's hearing on Zach LaVine and the Lakers 👀 pic.twitter.com/kaNg4oSgS0
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) January 22, 2024
On the other hand, Woike also said that if LaVine were part of a package deal that included guard Alex Caruso, perhaps the Lakers would revisit going after LaVine.
Caruso, a former Laker and cult hero among the team’s fans, is shooting 49.4% from the field and 41.7% from 3-point range, both of which are career highs, this season. Last season, he was named to the All-Defensive first team.
