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Lakers trade rumors: Zach LaVine is a very real possibility

By Jason Reed

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 28: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball to the basket in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on January 28, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 28: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball to the basket in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on January 28, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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The NBA trade deadline is right around the corner and fans of the Los Angeles Lakers are crossing their fingers that the team will make a substantial move. At the time of writing this, the Lakers have a week to determine whether or not they will make another trade and how aggressive they will be.

If Los Angeles does make a move, the most likely route seems to be a smaller trade that does not involve the likes of Russell Westbrook. It has long been reported that the Lakers were not going to trade the two future first-round picks for a trade they did not believe made the team a contender.

However, there is still a potential trade that could accomplish that. Now that Myles Turner is off the table after his extension, the next best Westbrook trade the Lakers could make is for Zach LaVine. And while that may seem like pure conjecture, there is a real possibility that it could happen.

While the Bulls do not seem to be at the point of trading LaVine yet, per Jake Fischer, the Lakers being named as one of the teams that have reported interest in the all-star guard is notable. Let’s not forget that there was previous speculation that LaVine wanted to go to LA, or the fact that he is a Klutch Sports client.

Lakers trade rumors: Could a Zach LaVine trade happen at the deadline?

Right now it might seem like we are too close to the NBA trade deadline for news to come out that LaVine is going to be traded. It would be a seismic NBA story but it certainly could still happen. If there is one thing the league has taught us it is to expect the unexpected and it wouldn’t be totally shocking if there was a Monday morning news story that LaVine demanded a trade.

These things could also happen in silence. Los Angeles has been fairly tight-lipped about moves in the past (outside of the obvious Anthony Davis trade). The Russell Westbrook trade happened with no fanfare, with fans actually thinking a Buddy Hield trade would happen first.

If LaVine is not traded at the deadline the Lakers will lose the opportunity to trade him as they won’t have the salaries to match. The team could theoretically trade several contracts they sign in the offseason for LaVine but that only pushes the timeline back. Plus, the Bulls aren’t going to want several middling contracts, they would be better off with an expiring contract.

So if Westbrook’s contract expires so does the Lakers’ chance of adding LaVine. If Los Angeles is truly motivated to get LaVine, we could see a more aggressive push by the front office to get it done before next Thursday.

But that is under the assumption that the front office and ownership want to do everything it takes to win. Thus far, they have not shown that commitment.

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