With the Feb. 6 trade deadline quickly approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers may consider making a bold move to improve their current situation.
The organization could cut ties with their star small forward and acquire an established Chicago Bulls guard this season.
“The Chicago Bulls making a push for LeBron James would signal their intent to reclaim relevance and make a legitimate run in the East,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Thursday.
“Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star with elite scoring ability (22.1 points per game), gives the Lakers an offensive centerpiece to pair with Anthony Davis. Matas Buzelis, a highly touted rookie with size, skill, and immense upside, could be a cornerstone for Los Angeles’ long-term future.”
“For Chicago, the deal would instantly revitalize the franchise. LeBron, even at 40, brings unmatched basketball IQ, leadership, and a chance to make noise in the playoffs as the greatest talent for the franchise since Michael Jordan.”
“Adding Bronny (James) to the mix also gives the Bulls a youthful storyline, complementing veterans like Nikola Vucevic.”
The Bulls may be struggling to make noise in the Eastern Conference, but LaVine is enjoying one of the most efficient seasons of his career, averaging 21.7 points on 50.1% shooting from the field and 42.8% shooting from beyond the arc.
As a frightening 6-foot-5 guard with zero noticeable offensive limitations, LaVine would provide the Lakers with a frightening three-level scorer who desperately wants to achieve team success.
However, James, Los Angeles’ do-it-all forward who’s nearly averaging a triple-double, still has plenty of juice left in the tank and would love to finish his career with the Lakers.
In an ideal world, the Lakers would find a way to acquire a versatile offensive weapon in LaVine while retaining the heart and soul of their struggling ball club.