Zach LaVine has developed into the All-Star the Chicago Bulls had been hoping he would become when they first acquired him. LaVine has been in Chicago since the Jimmy Butler trade and has become the centerpiece for the Bulls.
The Bulls did a lot of work to build around Zach LaVine last season and built a team that finally made the playoffs. But LaVine is a free agent this offseason and will be assessing all his options.
LaVine is represented by Klutch Sports, the same agency that represents LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Talen Horton-Tucker. Over the past few years, we have seen LeBron and Rich Paul work to recruit fellow Klutch clients to LA, like Anthony Davis and Montrezl Harrell.
LaVine potentially joining the Lakers will excite fans, but they should be careful, as it isn’t that simple. NBA analyst and salary cap expert Eric Pincus took to Twitter to address fans who asked about the possibility of LaVine coming to LA.
If the Lakers acquire a player via sign and trade, they have a hard cap. Let's go offseason, I'm ready… https://t.co/6WghkDiuqp
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) April 30, 2022
Mathematically sure, practically probably not. That it's technically possible will likely make this a daily question on Twitter for the next few months. Though probably also would have been if impossible. We're splitting hairs https://t.co/C13YW0Huj9
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) April 30, 2022
Pincus noted that while it is possible for the Lakers to execute a sign-and-trade with Chicago, it isn’t realistic because of the assets the Lakers could potentially offer, plus the fact that the Lakers risk being in the hard cap at the moment. LaVine could make the Lakers much stronger if the move goes through.
But considering the kind of contract LaVine will be expecting, the Lakers would have a tough time incorporating his salary into their cap, while simultaneously surrounding him, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis with players who can complement their game well and help them have a successful season next year.
The Lakers have a lot of big decisions to make in free agency. Many of their players become free agents, whereas some have player options heading into the offseason. It is up to Rob Pelinka and the front office to try and fix things as best they can. The Lakers will be one of the teams to follow in the offseason.
