The Chicago Bulls are expected to make league-changing moves in the next few months, as they have a veteran roster full of players that could help contenders around the NBA, with their prized asset being Zach LaVine. The Lakers have been rumored to want LaVine as their third star, and Shams Charania has revealed that the Bulls will likely want the Lakers to give up Austin Reaves in a deal like this.
“I think the Lakers will be patient… I expect them to express interest in Zach LaVine… The Bulls, I’m sure, would covet Austin Reaves in any potential LaVine trade. If you’re the Lakers and you’re pursuing a third star, the player that teams will ask about is Austin Reaves, 100%.”
"I expect them to express interest in Zach LaVine."
– @ShamsCharania
Do the Lakers need a 3rd star??
📺: https://t.co/qYBPWhYgh7 pic.twitter.com/8dszo21Fcu
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) November 28, 2023
LaVine is averaging 22.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists this season as the Bulls have gotten off to a disastrous 5-14 start. They had a players-only team meeting after the first game of the season, so it’s clear that the energy in the Bulls locker room is at an all-time low.
Reaves is averaging 13.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists but has had a slow start to the season. He lost his starting role on the squad due to poor production but has done well since returning to being a sixth man.
LaVine is the far more complete prospect and just two years older than Reaves, so this may be a no-brainer for the Lakers if they do want a material upgrade on their roster. Reaves is so well-versed in playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis that this deal could end up hurting the chemistry of the Lakers, especially with the strong relationship Reaves shares with LeBron.
Will The Lakers Move Austin Reaves?
Even beyond an offer for LaVine, it’s clear that teams around the NBA are going to value Reaves as the best trade asset that the Lakers have. He may not be as young as other prospects around the league, but he brings high-IQ basketball play to the floor with the ability be play as either the point or shooting guard. His versatility in the backcourt and improving defense have made him an integral piece of the Lakers.
If they move him for LaVine, the Lakers essentially recreate all the struggles they’ve had in finding guards that can play alongside LeBron. But if the Bulls want Reaves, it gives the Lakers a chance to hold on to D’Angelo Russell, who’s been the primary guard option for the Lakers this season, ahead of Reaves.
Rui Hachimura is another great trade piece that the Lakers have, so it’s likely a deal for LaVine would include Hachi alongside Reaves to make salaries work. This will definitely not be what LeBron had in mind given his strong relationship with both players. But the way he reacted after the Lakers’ 44-point loss to the 76ers, it seems LeBron won’t care about who is going as long as the team is improving.
James told the media that ‘a lot’ needs to change for the Lakers to get their season back on track. Let’s see if that change includes trading one of the best-undrafted talents in the NBA to get a two-time All-Star like LaVine.
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