The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most dominant duos in the NBA with LeBron James (25.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 8.5 APG) and Luka Doncic (27.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 7.7 APG), but their depth and perimeter scoring remain concerns heading into the playoffs. If they fall short in their title pursuit, adding Zach LaVine could give them another elite shot-maker to ease the burden on their stars.
The Sacramento Kings, meanwhile, are heading in a different direction after trading De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio at the deadline. With their playoff hopes already crushed, moving LaVine in the offseason would allow them to cash in on assets and reset around their remaining core.
That begs the question: would the Lakers be willing to take on LaVine’s contract? Would the Kings finally hit the reset button? Let’s break it all down.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Sacramento Kings Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Lakers Create an Unstoppable Big Three
The Lakers already have the most dynamic duo in the NBA with LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but imagine adding Zach LaVine to the mix. While Doncic orchestrates the offense and LeBron continues his all-around brilliance, LaVine would provide a lethal scoring punch, particularly in transition and catch-and-shoot situations.
This season, LaVine has averaged 23.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 44.1% from three, despite dealing with trade rumors in Chicago and landing on the Kings before the trade deadline. With a true three-level scorer alongside them, defenses would have an impossible time deciding who to prioritize.
One of the Lakers’ weaknesses this year has been consistent perimeter scoring outside of Doncic. They’ve relied on Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to step up, but neither can truly provide LaVine’s level of shot creation or athleticism.
Reaves is owed $13,937,574 next season with a $14,898,786 player option in the following season, while Hachimura is owed $18,259,259 next season before free agency hits. Perhaps the Lakers won’t want to commit this amount of money for two players who have not made a single All-Star Team between them.
LaVine would immediately become the Lakers’ third-best player and second-best scorer, capable of punishing defenders who collapse on Doncic’s drives. With his career 38.9% three-point shooting, he’d thrive off LeBron’s playmaking and Luka’s presence, making Los Angeles even more dangerous in half-court sets.
Financially, this move isn’t cheap, but the Lakers have already gone all-in on a championship window. LaVine is owed $47,499,660 next season with a $48,967,380 player option in the following season, but with LeBron in the twilight of his career, maximizing these next couple of years is the priority.
If Los Angeles comes up short in the playoffs this year, adding another offensive weapon would be a must, and LaVine could be the piece that turns them from contenders into outright favorites.
Kings Rebuild With New and Young Core
For Sacramento, this season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. The De’Aaron Fox trade to San Antonio signaled a shift toward a new direction, and moving Zach LaVine would further cement that reality.
Instead of keeping an expensive veteran on a team going nowhere, the Kings would land three valuable pieces in Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent—all affordable and versatile for them. Reaves, in particular, could flourish in an expanded role, averaging 19.2 points and 5.9 assists this season while shooting 44.2% from the field and 36.4% from three.
The Kings are no strangers to bold trades, and this one would allow them to build a more balanced roster around Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray. Hachimura, at 27, has shown he can be a productive stretch-four, while Vincent brings playoff experience and defensive intensity.
Add in the 2025 second-round pick, and Sacramento is acquiring long-term assets without taking on a bad contract. With LaVine’s hefty salary gone, the Kings would also have more flexibility in free agency to find a new franchise point guard.
While it might be tough for fans to accept another rebuild, the reality is that this Kings team isn’t built to win now. Moving LaVine is the smart choice, especially considering his history of injuries and defensive struggles.
A Blockbuster Trade Deal That Should Happen
This trade might be necessary if the Lakers don’t win a championship this season. The Lakers are in win-now mode, and LaVine gives them the scoring depth they need to push for a title.
The Kings, on the other hand, have already started to move toward a rebuild, and this deal accelerates that process without gutting their roster. Both teams address their biggest needs, making it a rare win-win in today’s trade market.
While Doncic and LeBron are good enough to carry a team, they need more consistent scoring from the perimeter, and LaVine fits that role perfectly. For Sacramento, keeping an expensive player on a losing team is a recipe for long-term mediocrity. Moving LaVine for a younger core ensures they don’t get stuck in a never-ending play-in cycle.
While the trade market will be flooded with possibilities this summer, few deals make as much sense as this one. The Lakers chase another ring, the Kings embrace a fresh start, and both teams walk away better positioned for their respective futures. Now, it’s just a matter of whether Sacramento is ready to pull the trigger.
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