The Los Angeles Lakers could acquire Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic to bolster their starting lineup around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Role players including D’Angelo Russell are not cutting it at the moment, and the Lakers might be willing to contact the Chicago Bulls for a blockbuster trade to bring reinforcements as soon as possible.
The Los Angeles Lakers stopped their losing streak after dropping two straight games, pushing their record to 5-4 after a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Anthony Davis is playing at an MVP level while the Lakers are in win-now mode.
With LeBron James competing in his final two seasons (most likely), they might need to move on from their current role players including D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt to go all-in for an NBA championship.
They could contact the Chicago Bulls for a trade, considering Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are the last two veterans who might need to be moved.
LaVine is on the books for $43.0 million this season, $46.0 million next season, and has a $49.0 million player option in 2025-26.
Vucevic is making $20.0 million this season and $21.5 million in the following season, so the Bulls might be willing to move the heavy salaries to rebuild around Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis. There could be a trade on the table to give the Lakers the duo of LaVine and Vucevic while the Bulls bring back an interesting return.
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, 2029 Second-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie
Los Angeles Lakers Become Legitimate Title-Contender
Adding Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic would immediately boost the Lakers’ standing as a title contender. LaVine brings explosive scoring that complements LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving Los Angeles another star capable of creating his own shot and spreading the floor.
This season, LaVine is averaging 22.7 points per game on 49.5% shooting and 45.8% from three in a bounce-back season, proving he’s one of the league’s most reliable scorers. His athleticism and offensive prowess would add a dynamic edge to the Lakers’ offense, especially in late-game situations where they need another go-to player.
Vucevic, on the other hand, would provide the Lakers with the interior presence they’ve been lacking. As a skilled big man with the ability to score inside and stretch the floor, Vucevic can relieve some of the defensive pressure on Davis, allowing him to focus on his elite shot-blocking and rebounding.
Vucevic is averaging 21.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this season, demonstrating that he’s still a highly productive center who can impact the game in multiple ways. His ability to shoot from mid-range and the three-point line would open up the floor, giving LeBron more room to operate.
In pairing LaVine and Vucevic with LeBron and AD, the Lakers would form a core capable of matching up with any team in the Western Conference. This trade could help stabilize the Lakers’ season, as they’ve struggled with consistency and have relied too heavily on LeBron and Davis. By adding two versatile players who can excel both offensively and defensively, the Lakers would gain the depth and star power needed to make a legitimate championship push in the closing years of LeBron’s career.
Chicago Bulls Rebuild Their Roster Perfectly
For the Bulls, moving LaVine and Vucevic would mark the start of a full rebuild, allowing them to focus on developing younger talent.
In return, they’d acquire D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt—a collection of players who could help balance their roster and provide flexibility in the coming years.
Russell is having a poor season so far but did average 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game last season. Is a solid playmaker who could serve as a veteran presence or a trade asset as Chicago retools its lineup.
Russell is also a free agent in the summer of 2025 so the Bulls don’t have to worry about his salary cap hit after this season.
In addition to Russell, the Bulls would gain Hachimura, a promising forward with potential as a scorer and defender. Vanderbilt, though injury-prone and yet to play a game this season, is an athletic defender who has the potential to become a valuable rotational player when healthy.
Vincent brings grit and playoff experience from his time with Miami, while Max Christie adds youth and depth to Chicago’s backcourt.
Moving on from LaVine and Vucevic’s substantial contracts also opens up cap space and provides financial flexibility in the coming seasons.
For a team that has struggled to break through in the East, this trade would allow Chicago to take a step back, acquire assets, and focus on future development.
