Lakers trade rumors: Eight targets to watch for at the trade deadline

PF Nikola Mirotic

There are a lot of power forwards the Los Angeles Lakers can trade for this season. Essentially, the Lakers get to pick their poison on which deal makes the most sense for them.

Considering the current state of the Chicago Bulls, however, a deal for Nikola Mirotic may be the easiest trade for the Lakers to make. Although this deal would follow the guidelines of all the others, the Bulls have the incentive to tank that the other teams do not.

This year was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Bulls. Dwayne Wade is gone, Jimmy Butler is gone, Rajon Rondo is gone. In are the likes of Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and rookie Lauri Markkanen. Still, even with all of the youth on the roster, the Bulls 18-28 record would be good for the ninth spot in the draft.

Mirotic has not been helping the tanking cause. At the time of his return, the Bulls were a league-worst 3-20. Since he has been back in the lineup, they are 15-8.

While it all does not boil down to Mirotic, he certainly plays a role and the Bulls need to further strip down their roster. With a team option following the season, the Lakers can simply acquire Mirotic with the intent of declining their option and, once again, preparing for the offseason.