Lakers Rumors: LA Not Interested in Adding 3rd Max Player Amid Zach LaVine Trade Buzz

Amid trade buzz around Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, the Los Angeles Lakers are not interested in adding a third max player, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks on the HoopsHype podcast.

According to Marks, the Lakers would likely have to trade three to four players to the Bulls to land LaVine, which is something they might not be willing to do.

"I think LaVine, especially after they went through the Russell Westbrook top-heavy roster with three max guys under the old CBA, you'd basically have to trade at least three players, maybe even four, to get the money to work," Marks said. "You're looking at a combination of Hachimura, Russell, and another guy. They've got one first-round pick then can trade in 2029. From what I've been told, and certainly things change, there's no appetite to add a third max guy."

The Lakers have been involved in rumors surrounding LaVine amid a sluggish start to the season. Los Angeles sits in 10th place at 19-20 on the season, and the Lakers are in need of some kind of change to turn things around. At this point, it seems that change won't involve LaVine.

This season, LaVine is putting up 20.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, though he missed all of December with an injury. Though the Lakers might not be interested in trading for LaVine, it is still likely that he will be on the move before the deadline.

According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Sacramento Kings have been in the mix for LaVine in a deal that could include Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes.

The Bulls currently sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 18-21, still very much in the playoff race. While Chicago has seen relative success with the pairing of LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, adding a pair of role players in exchange for LaVine could yield success.

As for the Lakers, they might be looking to add another big name in Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer. Though, according to Fischer, that deal would likely have to include shooting guard Austin Reaves, who Los Angeles has told teams it isn't willing to trade.

Whatever path the Lakers decide to take, it's clear the team is in need of a change to get over the hump.