According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers are hesitant to acquire Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls.
The Lakers have indicated a hesitancy to take on LaVine’s money. LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. He’s making $40 million this season.
“The struggling Lakers do forecast as the most sensible landing spot for the 28-year-old former All-Star, even though Los Angeles, too, has so far indicated a hesitancy to take on LaVine’s money, sources said,” Fischer wrote.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LaVine would like to get traded to the Lakers. The UCLA product has the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) as Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
LaVine is averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season while shooting 44.3% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc and 86.6% from the free-throw line. He has missed 17 games in a row due to a right foot injury.
Along with his large contract, LaVine’s poor play this season on defense and the Bulls’ winning record without him have decreased his trade value around the NBA.
The Lakers are expected to make a trade before the trade deadline in February since they have been a walking disaster following their In-Season Tournament championship in Las Vegas, but it appears they are on the fence about going after LaVine, who has won only one playoff game in his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. He scored a career-high 51 points against the Detroit Pistons in the third game of this season.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
