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In a recent turn of events, NBA circles are abuzz with news from The Athletic about the Chicago Bulls' potential willingness to trade their star guard, Zach LaVine. This revelation has drawn considerable interest from several top-tier teams, notably the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers, in particular, are in a quandary with their offense. Currently, they are struggling to maintain a robust scoring pace, especially in the absence of LeBron James. This dilemma places them near the lower end in terms of offensive rating and average points per game.
LaVine, with his impressive track record of averaging over 24 points per game in the last seven seasons with the Bulls, appears to be a viable solution to this problem. However, Rohan Nadkarni of Sports Illustrated presents an intriguing alternative strategy for the Lakers.
Nadkarni's analysis suggests a strategic pivot for the Lakers, advocating for a focus not on LaVine, but on another Bulls standout – DeMar DeRozan. “The Lakers, grappling with an underperforming offense, face a critical challenge every time LeBron is off the court.
LaVine, no doubt, fits the bill. But if the Bulls are contemplating a major team shake-up, the Lakers might be wise to hold out for DeMar DeRozan. Consider the possibility of acquiring both DeRozan and Alex Caruso, a combination that could be financially more viable than opting for LaVine alone,” Nadkarni elaborates.
DeRozan: Defensive Boost?
The rationale behind targeting DeRozan intensifies when considering the Lakers' defensive woes. Bringing back Alex Caruso, known for his defensive prowess, would significantly bolster their defense.
Nonetheless, reacquiring the former Texas A&M standout might prove challenging, as reports suggest the Bulls are seeking two first-round picks for him. Nadkarni concludes with a compelling argument: “If Chicago indeed decides to become a seller – and LaVine's departure would signal as much – it's logical for the Lakers to emerge as a more fitting destination for DeRozan rather than LaVine”.
This speculation around the Lakers' potential moves in the trade market indicates a pivotal moment for the team, as they seek to revitalize their offensive strategy and fortify their defense, keeping an eye on the evolving dynamics within the Bulls' roster.