The Los Angeles Lakers have had a poor free agency period even if the NBA Draft went well with Bronny James and Dalton Knecht coming on board. LeBron James and Anthony Davis still do not have a trusted All-Star player alongside them which isn’t the best sign going forward. However, there is still hope that the Lakers can form a superteam in the West, involving the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat. A blockbuster trade is available that sends both Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan to Los Angeles and it looks like this.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan (sign-and-trade, $20 million per season, 3-year deal), 2027 First-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Duncan Robinson, Orlando Robinson
Miami Heat Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Christian Wood
Update*: Taurean Prince signed with the Bucks. Christian Wood will replace him in this blockbuster trade idea.
This three-team trade is simply as big as it gets and here is the breakdown for every NBA team and its players.
Los Angeles Lakers Become The Favorite In The Western Conference
By acquiring Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan (via sign-and-trade), the Los Angeles Lakers would form a formidable new Big Four alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, significantly boosting their chances in the competitive Western Conference. LeBron James, even at 39 and approaching 40, continues to defy age with his high-level performance, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game last season.
James’ playmaking ability will be crucial in integrating LaVine and DeRozan into the offense seamlessly. Anthony Davis remains one of the league’s premier big men, contributing 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game last season. His defensive prowess and versatility make him a cornerstone for the Lakers.
Zach LaVine brings elite scoring ability, despite lower averages of 19.5 points per game with a shooting split of 45.2% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range. His athleticism and shooting will perfectly complement James and Davis, providing a dynamic offensive threat. DeMar DeRozan, on the other hand, offers a versatile scoring and playmaking option, with his mid-range game and ability to drive to the basket. Last season, he averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
The Lakers have missed out on significant free agents in the past, including Paul George, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Jimmy Butler. Acquiring LaVine and DeRozan would be a chance to right those wrongs and position themselves as favorites to come out of the West. With LeBron James approaching 40, forming a robust supporting cast around him and Davis is crucial for the Lakers to maximize their championship window.
Chicago Bulls Continue Their Rebuild Successfully
The Chicago Bulls, already in the midst of a rebuild, would significantly benefit from this trade by acquiring Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Duncan Robinson, and Orlando Robinson. This move aligns perfectly with their strategy of building a young, dynamic team around Josh Giddey and budding star Coby White.
Reaves, who averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists last season, is a versatile guard capable of playing multiple positions and providing solid defense. Hachimura, who contributed 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, offers a strong physical presence and scoring ability.
Duncan Robinson, despite his recent struggles, remains a valuable shooter, with a career three-point shooting percentage of 39.5%. His ability to stretch the floor will be crucial for the Bulls. Orlando Robinson, a young center, provides additional depth and potential for development.
The Bulls, who recently acquired Josh Giddey in the Alex Caruso trade, can now focus on developing this young core and potentially tank to improve their draft position. This strategy gives them a solid foundation for the future while maintaining the flexibility to add more young talent through the draft.
Miami Heat Make D’Angelo Russell Their New Starting Point Guard
For the Miami Heat, acquiring D’Angelo Russell addresses their need for a starting point guard, providing a significant upgrade to their backcourt. Russell, who averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game last season, brings a mix of scoring and playmaking that fits well with the Heat’s system. His ability to shoot from three (39.3% last season) will complement Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo, creating more spacing and offensive options.
Russell’s arrival allows the Heat to use Terry Rozier, acquired in a previous trade, as a sixth man off the bench. Rozier, with his scoring ability, can provide a spark for the second unit, making the Heat’s rotation deeper and more versatile. Even Christian Wood, a 6’8” big man who shot 46.6% FG with solid defensive skills fits into Miami’s mold as a floor-spacer and reliable defender.
This trade solidifies Miami’s depth chart and gives them a well-rounded lineup capable of pushing deep in the playoffs and even capturing a top-four seed instead of constantly having to compete in the play-in tournament. With Russell and Wood’s additions, the Heat can continue their tradition of tough, competitive basketball, aiming for another deep playoff run.
A Three-Team Trade That Every Team Wins, But The Lakers Find Most Beneficial
In this three-team blockbuster trade, every team addresses its needs and emerges stronger, but the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves the most beneficially positioned. By acquiring Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, the Lakers not only form a new Big Four with LeBron James and Anthony Davis but also solidify their status as a favorite in the Western Conference.
The infusion of LaVine’s scoring and DeRozan’s versatility around James and Davis creates a potent lineup capable of competing for a championship, righting the wrongs of past missed free agents, and positioning the Lakers for immediate success as LeBron approaches 40.
The Chicago Bulls continue their rebuild effectively, adding promising young talents in Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, alongside valuable depth in Duncan Robinson and Orlando Robinson. These additions complement their existing young core, including Josh Giddey and Coby White, setting the stage for a future-focused development strategy while maintaining flexibility for future draft improvements.
For the Miami Heat, acquiring D’Angelo Russell fulfills their need for a starting point guard, enhancing their backcourt with a mix of scoring and playmaking. Russell’s presence alongside Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo, with Terry Rozier coming off the bench, fortifies the Heat’s lineup and bolsters their chances for another deep playoff run.
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