This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers plan to trade for stars. That designation, however, can still be used to a broad range of NBA players. Furthermore, uncontrollably unexpected recent events may change their intentions even further.
The Lakers might, however, have a secret weapon in the form of a trade target they already have a connection to.
Zach LaVine, star with the Chicago Bulls.
Like Lakers players LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jarred Vanderbilt, LaVine is a client of Klutch Sports Group. When he was seen approaching the former two during the agency’s pro day for its upcoming class of prospects, which included Bronny James, he caused a stir among fans.
The social media team at BetMGM asked, “Why was Zach LaVine with LeBron and AD?” on May 22 on X, utilizing the now-famous meme of ESPN’s Brian Windhorst making speculative gestures to emphasize their point.
Fans quickly noticed that Klutch and the other two stars had prior relationships.
However, that wasn’t the only post making theoretical assumptions. Both the Lakers and the Bulls are starting what could be crucial offseasons. The Bulls missed the playoffs for the seventh time in the previous seven years, while the Lakers were eliminated in the opening round.
“Until next year, guys,” a fan commented alongside a digitally altered photo of the group.
Even as James was speaking with LaVine, a fan tried to read his lips and eventually came up with “My dog.”
Not everyone thinks LaVine will sign with the Lakers or that this means anything.
Even though the regular season has concluded, there have been a number of potential changes to the offseason landscape since the trade deadline in February, which may have an impact on the players the Lakers are able to sign.
Zach LaVine Might Be the Lakers’ Most Economical Trade TargetThe Atlanta Hawks are expected by rival teams to look into trade options for Dejounte Murray and Trae Young. But their perspective might change if they are selected first overall in the 2024 draft. A candidate such as Alexandre Sarr provides a different course of action.
Donovan Mitchell, a star player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, may decide to sign an extension, which might lead Klutch client Darius Garland to want a trade.
In that case, would Cleveland cooperate with the Lakers for Garland?
For the most of the last two years, LaVine has been tradeable. However, the Bulls’ high asking price from before has proven to be a barrier.
As he enters the third year of a five-year, $215.1 million contract, he has injury concerns.
Nonetheless, the two-time former All-Star might offer the best trade-off between acquisition costs and on-court performance. And following yet another disappointing season, the Bulls might be itching to move on.
LeBron James’s Declining Power Among Lakers
James supported obtaining LaVine before the deadline. The Lakers, though, had other priorities. Thus, trade negotiations between the Bulls and the Pistons began. However, LaVine ended the season early due to a foot ailment that required surgery.
There were rumors that the surgery’s schedule, as well as the choice to have it done, were made to keep the deal from closing.
“I think he [James] wants aggressiveness because that’s always his default,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick said on “The Rich Eisen Show” on May 17. “Now, ever since the Russell Westbrook trade didn’t work, LeBron has lost juice in Laker Land. He just has. They have not listened to him as much, and it’s funny because the narrative and the idea that Klutch Sports runs the Lakers just couldn’t be farther from the truth. A lot of times most times they are told no.”
The Lakers have ample trade assets in terms of players and draft capital. But a lack of available targets and a potential bargain price tag on a depressed player asset in LaVine could help the two sides finally align for a deal.