Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine wants to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to NBA insider Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times.
LaVine has the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) as Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“The Bulls have been linked to the Lakers and Raptors in the rumor mill, but multiple sources said LaVine and his representation obviously want Los Angeles because of the Klutch Sports connection,” Cowley wrote.
LaVine is averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists on the season while shooting 44.3% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc and 86.6% from the free-throw line. He hasn’t played since November 28 due to a foot injury.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LaVine is “well aware” the Bulls tried to trade him last offseason, according to NBA insider K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. The two-time All-Star has also grown tired of the internal debate within the Bulls organization of whether he can be a lead player on a championship-contending team.
“First off, the storylines that are out there right now about me is on both,” LaVine said. “It’s something that wasn’t said completely verbally to the media. It’s something that is behind closed doors that a bunch of narratives can get spun around and said about me and stories will be portrayed. And that’s part of the business. I think that comes with it.”
The Lakers are interested in trading for LaVine. However, general manager Rob Pelinka is going to be patient since Los Angeles is playing well right now. The Lakers are 15-10. They are in fifth place in the Western Conference standings.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LaVine, 28, has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. Most people around the NBA expect Chicago to trade LaVine this season.
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