5 Realistic Lakers Trade Targets at the 2025 Deadline
By Cem Yolbulan
Zach LaVine
Among the realistic trade targets for the Lakers, Zach LaVine may be the best player available. The two-time All-Star is having a bounceback season in Chicago after having an injury-riddled 2023-24 season. He is currently averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in 42 appearances with very impressive 51.1/44.6/79.7 shooting splits. This is his most efficient season yet and he is a candidate to make his third All-Star team this year.
The Bulls would be wise to sell high on LaVine. They are going nowhere and already kickstarted a rebuild in the offseason by moving on from Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan. Trading LaVine for future assets would set them up well for the next great Bulls team.
As good as LaVine is, he comes with a few big questions. He has never been properly tested in the playoffs, he has some injury concerns and is due $46 million for next season. He also has a player option for $48.9 million for the 2026-27 season.
A LaVine trade scenario is a little more complicated than the previous options due to his high salary. The Lakers would need to give up all of Hachimura, Vincent, and Vanderbilt to make the math work. This creates roster spot issues in Chicago while leaving the Lakers with no depth. A third team would presumably need to get involved to facilitate a trade here but considering the nice fit and upside of LeBron-AD-LaVine trio, it is a scenario worth exploring for the Lakers.
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