In the upcoming weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers are anticipated to be active in trade negotiations, and at least one elite player is hopeful the team will make a strong effort to sign him.
Trade rumors involving Zach LaVine, a swingman with the Chicago Bulls, date back to the previous season. The two-time All-Star is reportedly hoping to be dealt to the Lakers, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
It should come as no surprise that LaVine would like to play in Los Angeles, as he is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.
Is there mutual interest here? is the question. LaVine and the Bulls agreed to a $215 million, five-year contract last year. He will be paid $40 million this season. According to a recent source, LaVine is not thought of as a true game-changer and is paid like a superstar, therefore there isn’t much of a trade market for him.
LaVine has also been connected to the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors. One problem is that LaVine’s salary would have to match for the team that acquired him. With a $17.3 million salary this season, Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell may be able to assist close a deal.
This season, LaVine is averaging 21.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Although they wouldn’t need him to perform much heavy lifting, the Lakers must think LaVine could have a big impact in order to justify signing him to a huge contract.
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