Proposed Trade Sends $60 Million Stretch-Five to Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers improved their big man rotation with the addition of Deandre Ayton this summer. However, JJ Redick’s team could use a stretch-five to round out the roster.
That way, Redick could lean into a five-out offense when he needs additional perimeter spacing around Luka Doncic and LeBron James. A recent trade proposal from Liam Willerup of “Bulls on SI,” could potentially give Redick a sharpshooting big man.
Willerup’s trade idea looks like this:
Bulls Get: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and the rights to a top-5 protected pick swap in the 2028 NBA Draft.
Lakers Get: Nikola Vucevic
Vucevic is currently in the final year of his three-year $60 million contract. He’s coming into the new season on the back of a strong campaign with the Chicago Bulls. In 73 outings, Vucevic averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He shot 53% from the field and 40.2% from deep.
Adding Vucevic to Redick’s bench rotation would ensure the Lakers’ front-court rotation was versatile and experienced. And, while Vucevic isn’t the lob-threat Doncic usually likes to share the court with, his shooting ability could give both Doncic and LeBron room to attack the rim at will.
Vucevic Would Likely Welcome a Lakers Move
When talking to the media during his end-of-season news conference, Vucevic admitted that he would like to be part of a contending team at this stage of his career.
“There are some good, young pieces that can be built around,” Vucevic said. “There are a lot of questions when you’re a team not fighting for the top. I have trust in them and believe they want to do what’s best and build a good team that wants to win. So we’ll see. Obviously, I’m at the stage in my career where I’m trying to win now, play in the playoffs and hopefully have deep playoff runs. It’s a young team and it does take time. It all depends on what their timeline is and how they see this team.”
With Doncic and LeBron leading the charge, the Lakers could give Vucevic the opportunity he’s looking for. The Bulls are also expected to be open to trade talks involving the veteran big man.
However, it’s unclear whether the Lakers would be willing to part with the necessary assets to bring Vucevic to Los Angeles.
Lakers Have Been Busy This Summer
Rob Pelinka has already added Marcus Smart, Ayton and Jake LaRavia to the Lakers rotation this summer. The roster looks vastly improved from a year or two ago. Redick now has two high-level stars and a reliable contingent of skilled and versatile role players.
As such, the Lakers may choose to stand pat regarding a move for Vucevic. If we get closer to the trade deadline and Vucevic projects as a potential difference-maker, then maybe Pelinka will explore a potential trade.
If not, then Lakers fans should still be excited, because, as currently constructed, they should be good enough to make some noise in the Western Conference next season. And with a littel bit of luck, they could make a push for the Conference Finals.
