Ranking each Bulls target the Lakers might trade for this season
By Jason Reed
In typical NBA fashion, there is another star that will likely soon be moved via trade. Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls are both open to a potential trade this season and the Los Angeles Lakers were circled as one of the early favorites to secure his services.
If Chicago is willing to trade LaVine at any point this season then he may not be alone. There are several assets that the Bulls could shop at the deadline if they enter blow-it-up mode, which quite frankly, is probably the best think for the organization.
Thus, the Lakers may not just have the chance of trading for LaVine, but may also have their pick at one of the several trade assets that Chicago has. But which would be the best? Let’s rank the four most prominent, in order.
Ranking Chicago Bulls trade assets for the Los Angeles Lakers:
4. Nikola Vucevic
On paper, Nikola Vucevic would be a solid center to pair alongside Anthony Davis. This would lean into the size advantage that Los Angeles already has over most teams and could create a lineup that would be really hard to defend.
Vucevic can stretch the floor and is an above-average center offensively while also still providing adequate rebounding and rim protection. He would essentially be Christian Wood with better defense on the other end.
That being said, Vucevic is entering the late years of his career and is starting to slow down. While he would be a compelling fit next to Davis, those concerns mixed with the three-year, $60 million contract he signed over the summer make him the worst of the bunch.
If the price was cheaper then it would absolutely be worth the flier. But at that price and with those years remaining on his deal, Vucevic wouldn’t be a great fit in Los Angeles.