As of January 14, 2025, there is no official confirmation that Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. While trade discussions involving LaVine have been a topic of speculation, no formal agreement has been announced between the Bulls and the Lakers.
Earlier in the 2024-2025 NBA season, reports indicated that the Lakers and Bulls engaged in trade discussions involving LaVine. The Lakers have previously shown interest in LaVine during the 2022 free agency and last season’s trade deadline. However, the Lakers have not completed a trade since 2016. LaVine, averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, remains an attractive but costly player, with a potential $94 million contract extension through the 2026-27 season. Despite LaVine’s scoring ability, his defensive limitations and the Lakers’ preference for versatile, defensive players who can shoot do not align well. Furthermore, the Lakers’ recent trade of D’Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith has reportedly diminished the prospects of acquiring LaVine. Consequently, the likelihood of LaVine joining the Lakers appears slim as the team looks for other ways to improve their roster.
Additionally, NBA insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic has expressed skepticism about the Lakers pursuing a trade for LaVine, citing his injury history and the Lakers’ need for a higher-caliber third star. Buha stated, “I think if you look at what the Lakers need, Zach LaVine checks some of the boxes, but he is a step down from the Donovan Mitchell–Trae Young tier. There’s also now a mounting history of injuries with him, particularly lower extremity injuries with his knees and now his feet.”
It’s important to note that while trade rumors are common in the NBA, they do not always materialize into actual transactions. The complexities of player contracts, team needs, and salary cap considerations play significant roles in the feasibility of trades.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to refer to official announcements from the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Chicago Bulls. Until such statements are made, any reports of Zach LaVine being traded to the Lakers should be considered speculative.
