Lakers can cut ties to $33 million Heat deferred in favor of Bulls superstar

Despite performing below expectations to start the 2024-2025 campaign, the Los Angeles Lakers hold the No. 6 in the Western Conference through 36 games.

still, a trade for a highly coveted Chicago Bulls guard would give the Lakers supreme confidence going forward.

“If a (Zach) LaVine trade goes down, expect (Rui) Hachimura to headline the package that the Bulls want and receive,” wrote Last Word on Sports’ Quenton Albertie on Saturday.

“His latent potential could be fully realized in the Windy City. Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Jaxson Hayes would also need to be moved for salary purposes.”

“With Hood-Schifino and Hayes on expiring contracts, Chicago shouldn’t mind the cap relief they get from them.”

“The difficult part is convincing the Bulls to take on Vincent and Vanderbilt. Nevertheless, Vincent’s contract expires in 2026 and Vanderbilt is paid $12 million annually through 2028.”

“A third team, especially one with cap space or a trade exception, could help facilitate the trade.”

“In the aftermath, the Lakers will be left with a starting lineup of (LeBron) James, (Anthony) Davis, (Austin) Reaves, (Dorian) Finney-Smith and LaVine.”

“Their second unit would probably be (Max) Christie, Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, Shake Milton and Christian Wood.”

“Although their depth takes a hit, they are left with a sound forward rotation (James, Finney-Smith, Christie, Knecht), backcourt rotation (Reaves, LaVine, Reddish, Milton) and center rotation (Davis, Wood).”

“It is without Christian Koloko, who has played in 21 games this season, who has had his two-way contract upgraded.”

“Basically, they’ll be a thinner team, but stronger. It’s not an exact science, but they should definitely be better on the offensive end. 20+ points per game from LaVine in the starting unit is more helpful than 11+ points per game from Hachimura.”

LaVine may not be thrilled to be in a losing situation in Chicago, but on the bright side, the two-time All-Star is steadily increasing his trade value with each outstanding performance.

The 6-foot-5 guard is known for converting gravity-defying layups and dunks at the rim, but he’s far from a one-dimensional superstar in the big leagues.

LaVine’s confidence in his long-range jumper has reached a new level this season, as the UCLA product is averaging 24.0 points on a career-best 45.0% three-point shooting.

LaVine is also an underrated stop-and-pop shooter while traveling at high speeds, allowing him to regularly keep defenders on their toes.

The Lakers could use Lavine’s balanced skill set in Los Angeles, and with Vincent, a Miami Heat outcast, letting the franchise down with his subpar play, a guard trade would make perfect sense for JJ Redick’s club.

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