NBA Trade Machine: Can the Lakers acquire Zach Lavine by selling key assets like Russell Westbrook?
A bevy of NBA rumors have highlighted the LA Lakers' interest in using Russell Westbrook as a trade chip to acquire Zach LaVine. Westbrook has improved his play significantly since moving to the bench, but the Lakers need to improve in many areas. His contract is the only way they can significantly improve their roster.
The Lakers have done well to compete against top contenders, but the wins aren't there to show for it. They are one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league, which often hurts them during big games.
However, LA isn't just exploring the market for role players that will improve the roster. They are always on the hunt for a superstar-caliber player. Some could be available by the trade deadline (Feb. 9).
As per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, the Lakers are among the teams interested in LaVine, despite him signing a five-year, $216 supermax deal this past offseason. Here's what Fischer wrote:
"The Lakers, Heat, Knicks and Mavericks have consistently been mentioned by league personnel as holding motivations to land LaVine if the time does arrive."
There are rumblings that the Bulls could become sellers at the trade deadline after enduring a mediocre season compared to last year. They are 24-27, ranked 10th at the time of publishing. Due to their poor run, they could be willing to trade Zach LaVine.
Click here to read Jake Fischer's report on Zach LaVine and the Lakers.
Can LA Lakers secure a trade for Zach LaVine with trade centered around Russell Westbrook?
The LA Lakers have limited assets, but they are coveted pieces. Russell Westbrook comes with a $47 million salary, but it's an expiring deal. He also comes with the Lakers' 2027 and 2029 first-round picks, which hold tremendous value in the market.
LA needs to include those picks to pursue any deal with Westbrook as a centerpiece of the framework. If the Bulls make Zach LaVine available, a deal could go through from a salary-matching perspective if it's centered around Westbrook and their two future first-round picks without protection.
There could be more moving pieces in the deal as salary fillers or to sweeten the deal. LA may have to part ways with young talents like Max Christie or Lonnie Walker and take on the contract of Coby White.
However, the Bulls remain undecided about breaking up their core. The LA Lakers have shown a willingness to deal with their picks for superstar-level talent, who could bolster their chances of contending instantly, so they are likely to pursue Zach LaVine if that opportunity is available.