The Los Angeles Lakers stopped their losing streak after dropping two straight games, pushing their record to 5-4 after a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Anthony Davis is playing at an MVP level while the Lakers are in win-now mode. With LeBron James competing in his final two seasons (most likely), they might need to move on from their current role players including D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt to go all-in for an NBA championship.
They could contact the Chicago Bulls for a trade, considering Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are the last two veterans who might need to be moved. LaVine is on the books for $43.0 million this season, $46.0 million next season, and has a $49.0 million player option in 2025-26.
Vucevic is making $20.0 million this season and $21.5 million in the following season, so the Bulls might be willing to move the heavy salaries to rebuild around Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis. There could be a trade on the table to give the Lakers the duo of LaVine and Vucevic while the Bulls bring back an interesting return.
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, 2029 Second-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie
Los Angeles Lakers Become Legitimate Title-Contender
Adding Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic would immediately boost the Lakers’ standing as a title contender. LaVine brings explosive scoring that complements LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving Los Angeles another star capable of creating his own shot and spreading the floor.
This season, LaVine is averaging 22.7 points per game on 49.5% shooting and 45.8% from three in a bounce-back season, proving he’s one of the league’s most reliable scorers. His athleticism and offensive prowess would add a dynamic edge to the Lakers’ offense, especially in late-game situations where they need another go-to player.
Vucevic, on the other hand, would provide the Lakers with the interior presence they’ve been lacking. As a skilled big man with the ability to score inside and stretch the floor, Vucevic can relieve some of the defensive pressure on Davis, allowing him to focus on his elite shot-blocking and rebounding.
Vucevic is averaging 21.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this season, demonstrating that he’s still a highly productive center who can impact the game in multiple ways. His ability to shoot from mid-range and the three-point line would open up the floor, giving LeBron more room to operate.
In pairing LaVine and Vucevic with LeBron and AD, the Lakers would form a core capable of matching up with any team in the Western Conference. This trade could help stabilize the Lakers’ season, as they’ve struggled with consistency and have relied too heavily on LeBron and Davis. By adding two versatile players who can excel both offensively and defensively, the Lakers would gain the depth and star power needed to make a legitimate championship push in the closing years of LeBron’s career.
Chicago Bulls Rebuild Their Roster Perfectly
For the Bulls, moving LaVine and Vucevic would mark the start of a full rebuild, allowing them to focus on developing younger talent. In return, they’d acquire D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt—a collection of players who could help balance their roster and provide flexibility in the coming years.
Russell is having a poor season so far but did average 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game last season. Is a solid playmaker who could serve as a veteran presence or a trade asset as Chicago retools its lineup. Russell is also a free agent in the summer of 2025 so the Bulls don’t have to worry about his salary cap hit after this season.
In addition to Russell, the Bulls would gain Hachimura, a promising forward with potential as a scorer and defender. Vanderbilt, though injury-prone and yet to play a game this season, is an athletic defender who has the potential to become a valuable rotational player when healthy. Vincent brings grit and playoff experience from his time with Miami, while Max Christie adds youth and depth to Chicago’s backcourt.
Moving on from LaVine and Vucevic’s substantial contracts also opens up cap space and provides financial flexibility in the coming seasons. For a team that has struggled to break through in the East, this trade would allow Chicago to take a step back, acquire assets, and focus on future development.
While parting with LaVine and Vucevic may be difficult, the Bulls would gain both depth and salary relief, setting the stage for a potential roster overhaul as they move toward a sustainable rebuild. This trade package would allow the Bulls to reimagine their lineup and explore new options for building around emerging players like Coby White, Josh Giddey, and top prospects such as Matas Buzelis.
A Blockbuster Trade That Seems Reasonable And Ultimately Possible
This trade scenario makes sense for both teams, as it aligns with their current trajectories. The Lakers, in win-now mode, need to maximize their chances while LeBron is still playing at a high level, and this trade gives them the firepower to do so. LaVine and Vucevic add scoring, versatility, and depth that would round out the roster and alleviate the burden on LeBron and AD. For Los Angeles, this is the type of bold move that could push them over the edge as serious contenders in a crowded Western Conference.
For Chicago, moving on from LaVine and Vucevic may signal the end of an era, but it provides a pathway to focus on youth development and financial flexibility. The trade package from the Lakers includes promising players and assets, allowing the Bulls to reset their roster and build toward a new future. Chicago would benefit from a roster shake-up that prioritizes youth and opens the door for new talent to take on larger roles within the team’s structure.
Ultimately, this trade proposal seems fair and achievable given both teams’ needs. The Lakers would acquire players who perfectly complement their stars, while the Bulls would enter a rebuild with a solid foundation of young players and veterans. As each team aims to optimize its roster for different objectives, this deal offers mutual benefits and gives both franchises a clear direction moving forward.
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