This Lakers Blockbuster Trade Will Land Them Two Bulls Stars Worth Over $75 Million
This trade sends two stars to the Lakers.
Credit: Fadeaway World
The Los Angeles Lakers are clearly a team that needs to make some sort of move in preparation for the return of Anthony Davis from a foot injury. They have the ability to get to the playoffs this year and are only a few games out of the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference.
It has long been reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have been interested in DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. Here's a potential blockbuster trade that would help the Los Angeles Lakers land both Chicago Bulls stars.
The Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls Receive: Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
This trade could potentially have benefits for both teams, and perhaps it could end up being a win-win move. Here is why the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls should both make this deal.
The Los Angeles Lakers Make A Win-Now Move
It was recently reported that the Los Angeles Lakers are still exploring trades for Russell Westbrook, and it is clear that there is still potential for a big move before the trade deadline. This trade with the Chicago Bulls is the sort of move that can be a legitimate difference-maker for them, as they would be getting two immediate impact players that can contribute to winning basketball immediately.
DeMar DeRozan is obviously the main draw here. Throughout his career, DeRozan has developed a reputation as an elite point forward with playmaking ability. Last season, he even garnered some consideration in the MVP race while the Chicago Bulls were a top-tier seed. On the Los Angeles Lakers, DeMar DeRozan would likely be one of the main shot creators in the fourth quarter and give the team another consistent ballhandler and dynamic offensive threat. His lack of 3PT shooting is something to watch out for, but DeMar DeRozan can, at times, hit wide-open shots from catch-and-shoot positions. The lack of spacing is definitely a risk, but it is clear that the offensive gravity and shot creation he provides is absolutely worth it.
Nikola Vucevic is a true stretch center, and he is currently averaging 17.5 PPG, 10.9 RPG, and 3.1 APG while shooting 38.3% from the 3PT range. He seems like the perfect type of center to help Anthony Davis get through the rest of the regular season and would give the Lakers a dynamic frontcourt offensively. Vucevic is more than comfortable with shooting from beyond the arc, and LeBron James has historically won with big men that can shoot. From a fit perspective, acquiring Nikola Vucevic is an absolute no-brainer.
With this trade, the Los Angeles Lakers would become one of the most talented teams in the Western Conference. They would immediately add more offensive firepower and veteran experience to the roster, and with DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, the Lakers would be able to make a deep run in the playoffs this season.
The Chicago Bulls Get Elite Draft Compensation And Clear Salary
For the Chicago Bulls, this is about simply tearing things down. Their core of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic has clearly not worked out in terms of winning a championship.
The team simply has not been good this season, as they are currently the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. This is clearly not what the front office had in mind when they were making win-now moves for veteran All-Stars, and perhaps the best course of action is to start anew and look toward the next era of Bulls basketball. Zach LaVine is still young enough to build around, and it is likely that the team would still build around his talent.
The key acquisition here from the Chicago Bulls' perspective is the two first-round picks given to them by the Los Angeles Lakers. They are considered the most valuable picks in the market, likely due to the high probability that they will fall in the lottery. Those can potentially be used to draft elite prospects years down the line or in another trade during the team's re-tool around Zach LaVine. As of right now, DeMar DeRozan only has one more year left on his deal after this season, and Nikola Vucevic is an expiring contract this year. It is best to cash in on them now and get valuable draft picks in return.
The Lakers would also send the Bulls Russell Westbrook's expiring contract in this trade scenario as the salary filler. They would be able to save some money with this deal because they wouldn't have to pay next season on DeMar DeRozan's contract, and that could help the team from a financial standpoint. Westbrook would likely be bought out by the Bulls upon acquisition, but keeping him around as a veteran leader for the team's young players could prove beneficial in the long run.
Overall, this deal brings the Chicago Bulls valuable draft compensation while also giving them an expiring contract for improved financial flexibility next season. This is an elite deal for the team if they are trying to rebuild.
This Deal Can Help The Lakers Make A Deep Run In The Playoffs
For the Los Angeles Lakers, this deal is about maximizing their ability to win in the now with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Generally, when a team has two superstars of their caliber, they do everything to give them the opportunity to win a championship. Though the Lakers would have to give up their two first-round picks in this scenario, the star power they would get from the Chicago Bulls is absolutely worth sacrificing some of the future for.
It will be interesting to see what the Los Angeles Lakers end up doing ahead of the trade deadline this season. There are definitely good trades out there, and we'll see what happens in the future.
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