Zach LaVine Trade Rumors: Lakers Move 'Intrigued' Bulls Star During 2023-24 Season

Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine was intrigued by the idea of a hypothetical trade to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the 2023-24 NBA season, according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha.

At the 38:08 mark in the newest episode in his podcast, Buha answered a fan question about LaVine showing up to Klutch Sports' pro day ahead of the 2024 NBA draft and whether that signaled any desire on the player's part to don purple and gold. While the 6'5" guard appeared open to a trade out west, Buha downplayed the likelihood of a move coming together this summer.

Last winter, LaVine was thrown around as a potential target for the Lakers in the event they wanted to make a "big" trade to supplement the supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Leading up to the deadline, however, multiple reports distanced L.A. from the two-time All-Star.

His season-ending foot surgery in February presumably ruled out the idea for the foreseeable future.

The narrative is also shifting a bit in terms of how the Lakers might go about improving their roster. Buha reported on his podcast it looks like general manager Rob Pelinka may eschew the pursuit of a third star in favor of trades for secondary pieces.

If you could be assured of LaVine staying healthy, he'd definitely help Los Angeles. He has averaged 24.2 points per game and shot 38.3 percent from beyond the arc in his seven years with the Bulls.

But the foot injury added to the existing questions over his durability.

The 29-year-old has one of the NBA's worst contracts as well. Assuming he picks up his player option for 2026-27, he'll make $138 million over the next three seasons.

With all of the factors at play, it's hard to see a reality in which a LaVine swap makes sense for the Lakers.