Former Lakers trade target reminds them what they're missing after a strong preseason
By Cal Durrett
The Los Angeles Lakers might have some buyer's remorse after one of their rumored trade targets had a sizzling return to the floor. During the Chicago Bulls' preseason, All-Star Zach LaVine averaged an impressive 18 points in just 25 minutes while shooting a terrific 50% from deep on 5.5 3-point attempts per game. His play likely reminded Bulls fans and teams that he is still one of the most talented scorers in the NBA.
Over the last seven seasons, LaVine has averaged 24.7 points per game while shooting 38.5% from three. Even so, his health has been a major question mark after two surgeries, including the most recent one, which caused him to miss most of last season. That caused many to doubt whether he could return to his All-Star level.
Although it was only the preseason, his play should help to quiet concerns about his knee and potentially raise his trade value. That will be huge for the Bulls, who have shopped LaVine in the past but failed to find a taker for him and his massive contract with 3 years and $138 million remaining.
Should the Los Angeles Lakers reconsider trading for Zach LaVine?
If he is able to play at this level to start the season, then teams such as the Lakers may circle back around and inquire about his availability. Even if his value rebounds some, his contract will likely make it hard for most teams to acquire him, which might suppress his value.
Be that as it may, the Lakers are uniquely capable of trading for players such as LaVine with tradeable salaries, such as Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell, and Gabe Vincent. They are also reportedly willing to include their two tradeable first-round picks in a trade if needed, though they probably wouldn't need to include both. Perhaps not even a lightly protected first.
That is probably getting ahead of ourselves, but a healthy LaVine would probably draw interest from a playoff team and he looked like his old self. He probably won't ever live up to his massive contract, but him playing well would give the Bulls more options as they head into a rebuild.
All in all, whether he holds up remains to be seen. But if he is back and the Lakers are in need of help, then they may be open to trading for him ahead of the trade deadline and the Bulls may jump at the chance.