Lakers Rumors: Chicago Bulls showed trade interest in Lonzo Ball

Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve point guard Lonzo Ball, who reportedly drew interest from the Chicago Bulls prior to the NBA Trade Deadline.

There have been plenty of Los Angeles Lakers rumors recently involving the current state of the team. With Magic Johnson stepping down and Luke Walton and the organization mutually agreeing to part ways, the Lakers’ power structure is going to look a lot different. The lineup could have looked different as well had trade talks gotten further.

Back in February, Lakers rumors dominated headlines as they pursued Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. Virtually everyone on the roster outside of LeBron James was offered in track packages for Davis. According to recent Lakers rumors, that wasn’t the only deal being discussed.

According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Lakers and Chicago Bulls held some discussions involving Lonzo Ball.

Back in January, fans will remember that LaVar Ball started making some noise in the media. With Lonzo’s name being mentioned in trade rumors, things began to leak out about where he wanted to play. While Ball ultimately has no say in where he goes in a trade, LaVar was doing his best to make sure his son remained in Los Angeles or landed in a place he wanted to be.

The talks that were had with the Bulls came after Tania Ganguli reported, in January, that Ball preferred to play in Chicago or New York. The Phoenix Suns were also mentioned as a preferred landing spot.

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One scenario that Cowley mentioned was the Lakers acquiring point guard Kris Dunn and the Bulls’ 2019 first-round pick, which right now, is projected to be the No. 4 overall pick.

If the Lakers have soured on Ball after two injury-plagued seasons, that would be an interesting trade package. Dunn has flashed some solid point guard skills, but he also battled injuries this past season. The most intriguing part of that trade package would be the draft pick.

If they got lucky in the NBA Lottery, the Lakers could be in position for a player such as Zion Williamson, Ja Morant or R.J. Barrett. That would give the team another building block, along with Dunn, if they choose to stay the course. If not, it gives them quite an attractive trade piece to land another superstar to pair alongside LeBron James.

Ultimately, what kept Ball in Los Angeles could have been the ankle injury he suffered Jan. 19 against the Houston Rockets. That was the last time that Ball got on the court for the Lakers, as his ankle injury revealed a bone bruise as well.

Ball played in only 47 games this season because of that ankle injury. While his shooting numbers were still rough, Ball once again showcased that he can be a difference maker without scoring the ball. His playmaking and defense were sorely missed when he was sidelined.

Ball’s ankle injury is finally progressing in a positive direction, which is great news for him and the team. Getting him in the gym working on his game, not rehabbing another injury, would do wonders for his development this offseason.