Lakers Insider Sets Realistic Expectation Regarding Potential Bulls Trade

LA must upgrade its roster at all costs this season.

One of the biggest talking points around your Los Angeles Lakers right now is what the team will do at the trade deadline. The name that consistently keeps making its way into discussion is All-Star shooting guard Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls, LA's opponent tonight.

LaVine would give LA a true big three alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the front office may be skeptical of trading for him. He is on a massive contract for the next few years, and LA has typically preferred to have flexibility within their salary cap. 

Lakers insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic, in a new article with The Athletic's Bulls correspondent Darnell Mayberry, set the record straight on any potential deal with the Chicago Bulls this season. He said that it's more likely the team makes a move for six-time All-Star small forward DeMar DeRozan, if anything. 

"DeRozan is the most realistic target, but the LaVine domino likely must fall first before the Bulls would consider moving DeRozan."

Per Jovan Buha of The Athletic

Getting DeRozan would almost be a full-circle moment for the Lakers, as they almost acquired him a few seasons ago. But he would be a great get for this Lakers team, and could easily help their offensive struggles.

While DeRozan isn't a three-point threat, he is lethal from mid-range and can attack the rim. Through 26 games this season, he is averaging 22.2 points per game. He is also shooting a career-high from beyond the three-point line at 36.8 percent this season.

The veteran forward is on an expiring deal, which likely will entice the Lakers. If the pairing works out, they could always re-sign him over the offseason.

This seems to be the more likely option for the Lakers when it comes to the Bulls. But we are still a few weeks away from trades getting serious, and the front office has multiple options to work through.