© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
NBA insider reports the LA Lakers aren't likely to include Austin Reaves in any potential deal for Zach LaVine
The heat is on in the Windy City as the Bulls’ season continued its downward spiral on Tuesday night, as they lost to the Boston Celtic by 27 points, 124-97. One player numerous teams have been keeping tabs on is All-Star guard Zach LaVine, who the Bulls’ front office has reportedly been more open to trading.
One high-profile squad that NBA insider Shams Charania reported could be a potential suitor for the former UCLA Bruin is none other than the Los Angeles Lakers.
Add more offense
Despite having two all-time greats on their roster with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ offense ranks in the bottom half of the NBA. Although the Lakers have not had their roster at full strength yet, with Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, and Jared Vanderbilt all recuperating from various injuries, acquiring another All-Star would boost their offense and help their cause to become a legitimate title contender.
“I expect them to express interest in Zach LaVine,” Charania reported.
Though the Bulls have not been winning much of late, there’s no denying the caliber of talent LaVine has. The 6-foot-5 guard is leading the Bulls in scoring, averaging 22.1 points to go with 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
What will the cost be?
Acquiring LaVine, though, will come with a steep price—one that the Lakers may be hesitant to pay, reported Charania. The renowned NBA insider surmised that if the Lakers came calling the Bulls about a potential trade for LaVine, Chicago would no doubt ask for budding star Austin Reaves.
“The Bulls, I’m sure, would covet Austin Reaves in any potential Zach LaVine trade, as any team would. If you’re the Lakers and you’re out there trying to pursue a third star, whether that's Zach LaVine or anyone else that becomes available, the player that teams will ask about is Austin Reaves, 100%,” Charania shared.
It is at this point that talks may become a little more intricate.
“And to this point, the Lakers have not been inclined to move Austin Reaves. They didn’t put him in a deal for Kyrie Irving. And so, for now, I think the Lakers are going to take a prudent approach.”
