NBA Insider: Bulls 'Very Happy' with Lonzo Ball amid Lakers Trade Rumors

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball has come up in trade rumors as the Feb. 6 deadline draws nearer, but it sounds like the team has no plans of dealing him away.

The Athletic's Sam Vecenie dismissed the possibility of the Bulls trading Ball this season, noting that Chicago views him as a valuable member of the team.

"Why would he be potentially available? Ball is on an expiring contract worth $21.4 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent. The Bulls are thought to be very happy with Ball and love having him around the team for his presence in the locker room," Vecenie stated.

During an appearance on Hoops Tonight, The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported on Wednesday that the Los Angeles Lakers were eyeing Ball for a potential reunion with their 2017 No. 2 pick.

"I think Lonzo is someone that's going to be on their radar, and I think depending on the price if you could get him for a second or two seconds, I think that's an interesting swing," Buha stated.

However, Ball's impending free agency and injury history make it unlikely that a team would be willing to give up significant assets to acquire him.

"It's unclear whether Ball can play a full schedule," Vecenie added. "He has not played in back-to-backs this season and has yet to log more than 26 minutes in a single game (although it's worth that his minute load has gone up as the season has progressed). That probably points him toward being more of a high-impact bench player long-term."