Bulls: Zach LaVine Yearns For Lakers Trade, But Here’s Why It's Unlikely To Happen

(Photo : Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls reacts against the Utah Jazz during the second half at the United Center on November 06, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

Zach LaVine remains a name atop the NBA trade rumor mill with the Los Angeles Lakers seen as a potential landing spot.

Unfortunately, LaVine’s $43 million annual salary is something that standing in the way. And beyond that, the 28-year-old may not make sense should he be thrust into the rotation of Lakers coach Darvin Ham.

Why LaVine does not make sense for the Lakers?

LaVine is known to be a primary scoring option at the moment. Hence, joining the Lakers may not make sense.

It is hard to fathom how the two-time All-Star can maintain his numbers playing behind James and Davis. He could be a third option although the next question is will he be worth the money, SI.com reported.

The Klutch Sports connection won’t work

The Lakers have been known to pull off deals with the influence of James and Davis. Both are under Klutch Sports so this is allegedly what the agency is leaning on as far as LaVine’s next stop according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Nothing is expected to be done before 2023 ends. The earliest time the Lakers can move, if they do have plans to get LaVine, is only after January 15 due to the purple and gold’s offseason additions.

The Lakers need to learn from past mistakes

The Lakers need to learn from what happened in the past. The Russell Westbrook move was disastrous and their player movement since the February trade deadline appeared to be the right direction up to this point.

Los Angeles may be far from operating smoothly as they try to develop chemistry. Also there is LaVine’s foot injury that the Lakers need to consider. This was pointed out by sports journalist Roland Lazenby when he spoke on Sports Bytes Philippines.

"I don't see them trading Austin Reaves in that deal. I could be wrong. There could be other things at play. But I just don't see it," the renowned book author said.