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Could Zach LaVine be the Los Angeles Lakers third star?

By Jonathan Kiernan

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 05: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots over Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a game at United Center on November 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 05: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots over Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a game at United Center on November 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Why it makes sense for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers would love a player like James Harden, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard or Giannis Antetokounmpo to be their 3rd star. The likelihood of landing any of these players is slim at best with Antetokounmpo potentially the only realistic option if he opts out of his contract and tests free agency in 2021.

The Lakers need to set their gaze on a more realistic option who can come in and be their 3rd star and who would be happy being that 3rd guy.

Enter Zach LaVine.

Since his days at UCLA, LaVine has shown an ability to be one of the most polarizing players in professional basketball. With dunks that would make Dominique Wilkins and Vince Carter blush and a silky smooth jump shot, LaVine flashed potential to possibly be a franchise-altering player.

To date, LaVine hasn’t quite reached that level. It says a lot that LaVine is a borderline All-Star ( He should have been an All-Star this year) and still has so much more potential to give.
At 25 years of age, Zach Lavine’s best years are 100 percent ahead of him.

While LaVine is considered to be the go-to guy for the Chicago Bulls, they are a team influx who now under new leadership in the front office should be looking to make moves to set the franchise up for success long term. While LaVine is a star on the rise, it doesn’t look likely that he will ever be the number 1 player on a championship team.

Luckily for the purple and gold, he would be the 3rd piece of the puzzle and what a 3rd piece to have.

The Lakers have deficiencies in two areas: secondary playmaking and 3-point shooting.
Zach LaVine fits these needs to an absolute T.

Shooting an excellent 37.5 percent from the 3-point line for his career, Zach LaVine would offer the Lakers a consistent sniper from the 3-point line who can get them 25 points a night easily.

He also offers the perfect secondary playmaker the purple and gold could wish for. LaVine works as both the primary and secondary playmaker for the Chicago Bulls making him perfectly prepared to play the secondary role for the Lakers.

Not to mention, his highlight dunks will be very much appreciated in Los Angeles.

Under the tutelage of LeBron James, LaVine could push his game to another level. LaVine has been in the NBA for 6 years and has just turned 25. His best years are ahead of him and being on a team like the Los Angeles Lakers could give LaVine the platform to focus on getting better without being the go-to guy on a nightly basis.

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