The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine has stalled following recent roster moves, according to multiple sources close to the situation.

The Lakers, who previously engaged in preliminary trade discussions with the Bulls, now face significant hurdles in acquiring the two-time All-Star after trading D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith.

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the initial talks “didn’t have the right pieces,” and the recent Russell trade has effectively ended any potential deal.

LaVine’s massive contract presents the primary obstacle. The former UCLA standout signed a five-year, $215 million max deal with Chicago during the 2022 offseason, earning him $43 million this season.

Despite putting up impressive numbers – averaging 23.6 points while shooting 54.8% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range – his contract has made him difficult to move.

The new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement has also complicated matters, as teams have become increasingly cautious about taking on large contracts.

General managers are now more selective about trading valuable assets, particularly for players with substantial financial commitments.

Sources confirm that the Lakers remain unwilling to include Austin Reaves in any potential package for LaVine. Reaves has become a central figure in trade discussions, with multiple teams identifying him as a primary target in negotiations.

For the Lakers, LaVine’s potential fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis raises concerns.

The Bulls guard has historically thrived with high usage rates – ranking in the top five percentile during his All-Star seasons in 2020-21 (31.2%) and 2021-22 (29.5%).

This ball-dominant style mirrors past challenges the Lakers faced with Russell Westbrook and D’Angelo Russell alongside James and Davis.

Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ general manager, appears to be shifting focus toward smaller, marginal moves to support James and Davis in their championship pursuit.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Lakers’ brief flirtation with acquiring LaVine seems to have reached its conclusion, leaving the Bulls star’s immediate future in Chicago.

The Bulls front office now faces the reality of their 2022 max contract decision, as LaVine’s trade value sits at an all-time low.

While his talent remains undeniable, his contract continues to deter potential suitors, suggesting he may remain with Chicago until his contract becomes more manageable for interested teams.