Lakers could face competition for Zach LaVine from 2 division rivals?
Dec 7, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) warms up before an NBA game against the Washington Wizards at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Zach LaVine may end up in the Pacific Division … but not with the team you might think.
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported this weekend that the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings are two teams to keep an eye on with regard to a potential trade pursuit of the Bulls star Zach LaVine. The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 8, and LaVine is widely expected to be moved by the Bulls.
The 17-18 Warriors are in dire straits in the backcourt right now with Chris Paul suffering a fractured hand on Friday that is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks. Another important Golden State guard is also in the middle of an extended absence. At 21-13, the Kings are in much better shape. But it still seems they need a new backcourt partner for De’Aaron Fox. On top of that, Sacramento has managed to keep all their best trade assets to this point by pulling out of the sweepstakes for another All-Star trade target earlier this week.
While LaVine’s market is very quiet right now, many believe that he could end up on the Los Angeles Lakers, especially since LaVine, 28, is a client of Klutch Sports who attended UCLA for college. But the Lakers might not be able to compete with the trade packages that a Sacramento or a Golden State would be able to offer. That may leave the Lakers to have to pursue a slightly lower-tier star like this one instead.
