After his incredible playoff performance, many were anticipating a significant improvement, but Ustin Reaves has not delivered. However, the Los Angeles Lakers are unwilling to give up on him in order to sign Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star.

“The Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams interested in acquiring Zach LaVine, and while the Bulls would covet Austin Reaves in trade talks, he’s not for sale in LaVine conversations,” Hoopshype Michael Scotto wrote.

Reaves is shooting 46/32/84 and scoring 13.5 points per game, all below his career-high from his breakthrough second season. However, after signing him to a $56 million, four-year maximum agreement last summer, the Lakers are being patient. Reaves hasn’t taken a vacation from basketball since leading Team USA to the FIBA World Cup last season, after all.

The Lakers moved him back into the second unit to relieve his discomfort after he had trouble settling into his starting role early in the year.

The New Big 3 of the Lakers?

LaVine could easily step in and take over for Reaves as the Lakers’ third option, as the forward is still not able to live up to the hype.

LaVine may provide the Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, a third scoring punch, creating a new Big 3 in Hollywood.

The Bulls’ great wing is a proven scorer, even if the season hasn’t started off well. After the Lakers’ victory against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, they are presently 28th in the NBA in 3-point accuracy (33.9%). His 38.2% career 3-point shooting would provide them an instant lift.

LaVine’s average this season is 21.0 points on 44.3% shooting from the field and 33.6% from three-point range, which is the lowest since he was traded for Jimmy Butler by the Bulls. Entering a playoff-bound team, however, may motivate him to return to All-Star level performance.

LaVine is also leaning toward the Lakers since he is represented by Klutch Sports with James and Davis.

But, the Lakers face stiff competition from other teams vying for a spot in the playoffs. Hoopshype claims that LaVine has also been connected to the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers.

How Much Zach LaVine Costs

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Bulls have placed an exorbitant price tag on LaVine, deterring prospective buyers like the New York Knicks, who made an inquiry in February.

If the Bulls opt to deal LaVine, they’re looking for a terrific young player, multiple first-round selections, and contract filler, according to NBC Sports’ Bulls insider K.C. Johnson’s June report.

But after a disappointing start to the season for both him and the Bulls, LaVine’s worth had declined. LaVine’s massive deal, which includes a player option and leaves him owing $178 million through the 2026–2027 season, is another major contributing reason.

“I think Zach LaVine can get a first pick, maybe another first-round pick if it’s in this draft since it’s so weak,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

Following James Harden’s trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, the 76ers have more draft money than the Lakers. As a result of their prior trades of Davis to the New Orleans Pelicans and Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz, the Lakers’ lone trade chip in an in-season transaction is their 2030 first-round selection.If the Lakers want to pursue LaVine, general manager Rob Pelinka will need to go outside the box.