Anonymous NBA exec thinks Lakers should trade for Zach LaVine

It’s a tradition unlike any other, Zach LaVine being connected to the Lakers in a possible trade scenario.

It's too far to count the days until training camp, but close enough to keep it front of mind; we are in the dog days of the NBA offseason.

With Lakers basketball far away and a full roster, it doesn't take long before one starts to tinker with the NBA Trade Machine and look for ways to improve the team.

In his recent Lakers newsletter, Dan Woike of the LA Times talked to NBA execs about what they would do if they were the Lakers vice president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka.

A Western Conference executive did suggest a bold route, saying the Lakers should trade for Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.

“One conversation I had last week, though, really surprised me. This West executive, who understands the Lakers’ situation pretty well for someone outside the organization, said he’d point them in a direction they were rumored to be headed in 10 months ago. “I’d call Chicago and make a move for Zach LaVine,” the executive told me.”

LaVine's name has been connected to trade rumors with the Lakers for years. Many reports linked him to the team during last season's trade deadline, but nothing materialized into a deal.

Suggesting a trade sending LaVine to the Lakers for the 2024-25 season does feel like a boring, not to mention expensive, idea that would not improve the team's win total.

Yes, he is a bucket and can create his own shot, which is something no other Lakers guard can honestly say. Last season, LaVine averaged 19.5 points on 45% shooting, along with 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

The issue with LaVine has always been his steep cost and inability to stay healthy.

Due to a right foot injury, he played just 25 games last year and ended his season early, opting for surgery.

He still has two seasons left on his deal and a player option for 2026-27. LaVine will be making over $40 million this season, which will balloon to $49 million by the end of his contract.

Trading for LaVine would put a stamp on the LeBron James and Anthony Davis era. You could make no more significant moves and end any hope of substantial improvement.

Getting a deal done will also require multiple players, such as D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and potentially even draft compensation.

That deal makes sense if this is a zag and simply a way to add a star and consolidate your finances into one fun player.

If you are serious about winning a title or putting yourself in a position to do so, a trade for LaVine does not get you closer.

This is one of the many reasons why, despite all the rumors, a trade for LaVine to end up in Los Angeles has never materialized and likely never will.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.