Lakers All-Star Trade Target May Not Be On the Move After All

The Lakers have to make some sort of deal soon.

The Los Angeles Lakers season has been filled with many ups and downs. They may be one of the only teams in the league who can realistically say that they can beat anyone in the NBA but also who could lose to anyone in the NBA.

Their inconsistent nightly effort levels tell the story, and it's seen them fall in the standings over the last month. With the trade deadline quickly approaching, many believe that Los Angeles will be one of the more active teams. 

One name that has been connected to the Lakers rater frequently has been All-Star guard Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. However, it seems that the market for LaVine is pretty dead, and L.A. isn't going to overpay for his services.

"Thus far, the buzz has been nearly silent. Outside of speculation that the Lakers will eventually make a play (perhaps if they miss out on Murray), most believe LaVine will stick around Chicago through the year or even longer."

Per Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report

If this is the case, the Lakers will need to look elsewhere. They don't want to take on the contract of LaVine if they don't need to.

LaVine is in the second year of a $215.2 million, five-year deal, which isn't a great-looking contract. His injury issues, combined with his lack of defensive skills make him almost a negative asset.

The front office has prioritized flexibility within their salary cap, so adding LaVine would be going against that. While he could give them a better chance to win the championship this year, adding him to the mix may not move the needle massively. 

It remains to be seen what the Lakers will do, or in which direction they will go. But this team needs some sort of spark to it, otherwise, it could end up being another wasted year.