Lakers rumors: Newest Zach LaVine report reeks of Bulls' desperation

The biggest storyline around the Los Angeles Lakers as we head into the holidays is whether or not the team is going to trade for Zach LaVine. LaVine first hit the trade block over a month ago and ever since, the Lakers have been talked about as the most likely destination.

LaVine has made it pretty clear that he wants to come to Los Angeles and play with his fellow Klutch Sports clients. With the Lakers having the contracts to make a deal work, and the tendency to make bad trades in the past, it makes all the sense in the world on paper for the Lakers to make this blockbuster trade.

Obvious concerns about LaVine's game and the Bulls' potential asking price have hurt the possibility, though. Chicago seems to know this, as the latest intel from NBA insiders reeks of desperation from the Bulls. Jovan Buha and Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic recently discussed the possibility of a LaVine trade, and the differing points of view made it very obvious where each team stands.

"Darnell Mayberry: All signs are pointing to these teams eventually finding common ground on a deal that works for both sides. The fit as trade partners was apparent before. But as the season has progressed, it seems imperative that they come together on a trade."

Mayberry covers the Bulls for The Athletic and obviouly has sources in the organization. Buha, meanwhile, covers the Lakers. Buha pushed back on Mayberry saying that all signs are pointing to there being a trade, which tells you all you need to know.

The Bulls are desperate for the Lakers to trade for Zach LaVine

The most important thing to remember with reports like this is where the information is coming from and why it is being shared. These reporters are sharing what they are hearing, but fans need to realize why their sources are telling them what they are telling them.

Mayberry's Bulls-centric sources are making it seem like it is only a matter of time until a deal is made. While Buha's Lakers-centric sources are making it seem less likely. What does that tell you? Those inside the Bulls organization are more desperate for a trade to happen, and want it to be talked about in the media to potentially push it to happen.

That or the Bulls are trying to create more interest. There has not been much of a market for LaVine this season and information like this can potentially push a team over the edge to make a deal. We see this media tactic all the time across all sports. If there is a team that is iffy on trading for LaVine they might be more willing to if they hear that the Lakers and Bulls are an inevitability.

That is all this is. Lakers fans should take this with a grain of salt because, at the end of the day, the Lakers are the team with the leverage (and every reason not to do this trade). Just because Chicago thinks it is going to happen does not mean it actually will.