Star Lakers Trade Target Rumored as Opening Night Approaches

The Los Angeles Lakers kick off the 2024-25 NBA regular season on Tuesday as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves. While excitement for the new season under head coach JJ Redick is building up, Lakers fans are more concerned about what the team will do on the trade market.

Much to the frustration of the fanbase, the Lakers front office failed to make any significant moves in the offseason. They brought back the same team that lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round, just a year older and with more injury risk.

However, it's hard to imagine that there won't be any in-season moves. If the team plays well, there will be pressure to go all in and chase a ring. If the team plays poorly, there will be a similar expectation to turn things around. These are LeBron James' final years in the NBA after all.

As the rumor mill heats up as we approach the season opener, one potential trade target popped up again. According to Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, one name to "keep an eye" on is Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.

NBA Rumors: Lakers Still Interested in Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine has been on the trade block for a while but Chicago hasn't found a suitor for him due to injury concerns and his exorbitant salary. However, the two-time All-Star has looked good and healthy in the preseason, turning himself into a tradeable asset.

Financially, the only way the Lakers can acquire LaVine is if they move D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and another depth piece, assuming that they have no interest in moving Austin Reaves.

The best part of this potential deal is that the Lakers wouldn't have to part ways with their two first-round picks. They can use those draft assets to upgrade in a different position of need. Whether LaVine and another upgrade would be enough to catapult the Lakers into contenders remains to be seen but it's clear that GM Rob Pelinka has no choice but to make a move.

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