Why the Los Angeles Lakers could say yes:
I mean, there really is not that much of a discussion to be had around why the Los Angeles Lakers would say yes to this deal. The team would be solving its biggest problem in Russell Westbrook and would be bringing in a third star that would fit better next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Some teams might look sideways as signing LaVine to the absolute max deal but if the Lakers can get Westbrook off the books then they would not even think twice about signing it. LaVine is over-qualified as a third-best player on a contender and once LeBron eventually leaves, LaVine and AD would be a qualified 1-2 to build around.
We really want to stress the importance of Zach LaVine and Klutch Sports in this potential trade package. It would take quite the risk by LaVine if he wanted to force his way to LA as he could deplete his market in the process. There is also the very slight possibility that the Bulls don’t give him what he wants and simply get worse in the process just so they don’t help Klutch and the Lakers.
However, with Lonzo Ball being a Klutch client as well they probably want to keep the agency as happy as possible if they can. Of course, there is a chance that LaVine has no interest in LA and isn’t willing to play the leverage game and try to force his way there. Without LaVine’s willingness to get dirty, this trade never happens in a million years.
The only way the Bulls ever say yes to this is if they are backed up against a wall. The only person who can do that to them is Zach LaVine.