1. Zach LaVine has to force his way to the Los Angeles Lakers
There is zero chance that the Los Angeles Lakers get Zach LaVine without his help. LaVine would have to take a risk and essentially force his way to the Lakers. In previous years, that might be a risk that players would not be willing to make. However, the players hold all of the power in today’s game and this would not be the first time a player forces his way somewhere.
Chicago has no leverage in the situation with LaVine since he is an unrestricted free agent. LaVine can let his demands be heard that he wants to join the Lakers and that he will not sign with or execute a sign-and-trade with any other team.
The Bulls could outright be stubborn but nine times out of 10 the team will cave and help the player execute the move he wants to execute. Why? It is much better for Chicago to get assets for LaVine rather than just letting him walk away for free.
The team would not only be losing the player in LaVine but the extra cap space (essentially) because of his bird rights. Chicago cannot outright replace him with another max guy.
This is where the Klutch sports part of the equation comes in. LeBron James and Rich Paul would really have to get into his ear and convince him to come to LA. Granted, they essentially did it with Anthony Davis, so it is not like they can’t do it with LaVine as well.