If the Price Drops for Zach LaVine, Should the Lakers Trade for Him? What About Kyle Kuzma?

The Lakers are still feeling out that space between stars and depth. Depth and stars. But what about those guys who are big names but may not qualify as either?
Like Chicago's Zach LaVine, who seems perpetually on the trade block now, and therefore always rumored to be a future Laker. The Bulls, reportedly, are getting LaVine back out on the market, and doing so at a reduced price. Yes, LaVine is apparently on sale! So how should the Lakers respond? On the one hand, LaVine is (for all his negatives) still a very good player. He's twice made All-Star teams, and if you're willing to look past a completely disastrous 2023-24 season, is a reliable putter upper of numbers.
On the other hand, he's not a reliable player of games. The dude is hurt all the time, even before last year. And he's owed 130 million or so over the next three years. That's a lot for a guy with some real imperfections for whom any decline in athleticism would be deadly.
So should the Lakers bite? How low would the price have to be?
And more importantly, what are the questions the Lakers are asking themselves is they kick the tires on a deal like this one? What problem would they be trying to solve with LaVine? Would they be better off trying to pick up a guy like Kyle Kuzma, who might be available again from the Wizards. Would a return to LA be better? He makes less money, and might-might-provide more defensive versatility in ways the Lakers could use. But he's definitely not the scorer LaVine is, and the days of hoping Kuz blossoms into a legitimate outside shooter are probably over. And while he's a lesser player than some on the market, you can expect Washington to try and extract some value for Kuz because he is on a VERY favorable contract.
There are no easy choices out there for Rob Pelinka.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: LaVine for sale!!!
SEGMENT 2: What problems are they trying to solve?
SEGMENT 3: What about Kuz?
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[@erikkdane8485]

Lavine is a super injury prone streaky shooter that can't play defense. So no thanks. Caruso is the only player from the Bulls that the Lakers should trade for because he's a very gritty tough-minded two-way player.

[@tjboxingsports3584]

We need Drummond!! We need a Big more than anything!! Forget all those guards!!

[@richborn6700]

Man could you imagine how good LA would be with Caruso? Oh wait a minute 😂

[@tonyp4914]

Lakers are drawn to stars...so prolly won't happen. I love Carushow BUT he ain't NEVER been seen as nobody star...so if Lavine available...I can see us being disappointed. Now if we can throw it all in and get them both?! 😈...I personally prefer DJ Murray

[@tyresejones3535]

He’s not a streaky shooter he’s hovered around 50 percent field goal and 40 percent from 3 for years he’s an elite shooter and scorer and an insane athlete. Casual goofy

[@maxsmart8954]

Can’t score ! need a consistent 25 plus player takes some of the load off LJ and AD.

[@TonyTony-gp6fh]

I truly believe that Lavine just didn’t want to play for the bulls last season, and if traded he will be available for the lakers.

[@Hy-BridAbroad]

The issue with Lavine is his contract. He isn't that level of player and you have to find the salaries to match which means trading at least 2 or 3 key rotation players. He's not good enough to be worth that in my opinion. For those wondering, he makes $43 million next season.

[@richborn6700]

Lavine is just a taller D-Lo

[@tyresejones3535]

Sign and trade dlo gabe hood schifino and you can get lavine goofy don’t even have to trade the main rotation players

[@Hy-BridAbroad]

@@tyresejones3535 You're about 10 million short buddy unless you really believe that Dlo would sign for $28+ million and Bulls would be down for that. That's assuming that 1. Bulls are interested in Dlo 2. That Dlo wants to go to the Bulls and would agree to a sign and trade. This ain't 2K. None of that happening.

[@tyresejones3535]

@@Hy-BridAbroad ever heard of a sign and trade goofy the bulls would gladly pay dlo a higher sum just for a year to get off lavine's contract and it also serves dlo"s interests to sign shorter albeit more expensive deal. try to use logic kid.

[@bfns23]

​@@Hy-BridAbroadhow would dlo have any say if he gets traded? Unless he has a no trade clause and you know the Lakers won't agree to that. If the Lakers re-sign Dlo he's most likely going to get traded soon after. If im LA I'll trade Dlo,Rui, Vincent,Christie, and JHS for Lavine and Caruso. If the bulls want a draft pick then Christie is out of the deal.

[@schmitkeoriginals]

I watched Chicago last year as well as Atlanta to check out LAvine and Dejounte... Zach's ability to shoot the 3 at a high volume and good percentage + ability to cut backdoor + screen n roll - I was rly high on him, THEN HE GOT HURT. AGAIN. It was a nothing play, didnt seem that bad and suddenly I GOT IT. This is what Bulls fans feel over and over again. Edit: AD + Lavine + Older Lebron... what could go wrong?! 😬😬😬

[@bfns23]

People can argue Kyrie is injury prone but look at him balling this season without an injury (knock on wood). Look at AD just this season after being known as mr street clothes the past 2 seasons. Just because a player was injured before doesn't mean they will stay getting hurt. Maybe the load getting took off of Lavine playing alongside better talent (Bron&AD) will lower his workload and allow him to have a injury free season.

[@schmitkeoriginals]

@@bfns23 I dunno.... I've watched Kyrie for years w LBJ in Cle, he never had an injury like that - when I see low contact/no contact injuries, especially knees/ankles I worry... he's a MAX player too, it's betting a lot on a dicey history IMO

[@pinoykayaker]

Pelinka will diligently make the wrong decision. Count on it.

[@daves5445]

Lets see...$43M, $46M, and $49M (PO) for the next 3 seasons for the production he brings...NO, NO, and NO! Now, if we can obtain the two other Bull players that may be on the trade block (DeRozan and Caruso), I'd do that!

[@BloomsArchitect]

An often injured, high usage, no defense, max player. What could go wrong? This is a Lakers type move.

[@tjboxingsports3584]

ANDRE DRUMMOND!!

[@LockedOnLakers]

I think Drummond would be a perfect backup big. Can start him with AD in certain matchups if necessary, but mostly off the bench. Helps the rebounding and lane protection. Plus, he's hilarious, which is great for our purposes. AK

[@RichD2024]

Nooooooooo! With that contract and his health issues, no way should the Lakers even remotely consider trading for Levine.

[@lakernerd5979]

Kuz or Rui, Rui shoots 40 percent from threes, plays better post defensive and won't cost us a pick.

[@stampscapes]

The last thing the Lakers need is another guy on the team with a gigantic contract that's injured a lot. AD had an unusual year playing a lot of games but that was an anomaly. Lavine seems more like one of those players that the Bulls would have to give up draft picks to some team to take him and his contract off their hands.

[@Xray__12]

Rui, Gabe, JHS, opted in DLO & Reddish works salary wise for Lavine & Caruso. Maybe throw in a pick. Caruso Lavine Vando Bron Ad 6th man: Reaves Good squad imo

[@DEEiBe]

The only way that Lavine would work is through a Dlo sign and trade. Where Bulls give him an inflated 1 year. That would allow lakers to still keep their depth.

[@concernedcitizen4171]

Dejounte helps more of our weaknesses directly than Lavine although Lavine is a much better fit offensively imo. I'd consider Caruso + Lavine although it would assuredly mean Reaves has to leave. Higher 2 way backcourt ceiling combined but with injury concerns. Pass on Kuzma. I don't see what needs he would help with. Even in 2019-20 he had to be moved to the bench in a lesser role and I'm not convinced he's considerably changed his game,

[@deddiev1718]

Brian Brian. If you’re the first option on a bad team taking 20 to 25 shots. What are they going to average as the third option getting 15 shots maybe. From 19-22 points down to 17-14

[@deandrepage1048]

Too injury-prone. But the Lakers definitely need a high volume scoring guard that creates his own offense off the dribble for layups. Less dependent on his 3-point shooting.

[@tr3ylv1]

Is that the case? With Levine's i juries?

[@gregpollard7158]

LaVine is a Baller that is from the West Coast (Seattle/UCLA) however, I think that Ship 🚢 has Sailed. Kuz would be Solid for US and We could Trade Rui/FINO/Cam/1-2 1sts for Him. However, We would also need to move Vando bcuz Vando/Kuz essentially do the same things: Kuz is who We Hope Vando is in 2-3 Years. Side Note - It’s GM/Organizational Malpractice that We are now literally looking for the Same Type Players that We Traded or allowed to walk out the Door - Kuz/Carushow/KCP/Drummond!!! 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@bfns23]

The west is too strong to stand pat and LeBron is too old to just have a big 2 now. Lakers need a big 3 imo, idc if its Mitchell, Young,Murray, Marrkenen, or Lavine. Obviously Lavine is the last option out of those other 4 but Lavine WITH Caruso would be major! And do we really want another contender like GS or Denver if they possibly lose KCP, to possibly grab Caruso? Of course not, Lakers have to right that wrong and bring Caruso back home to the team he won a chip with!

[@ericboy3496]

Stop the cap. Dwight is fine. He is a player owner now and making money in a league that appreciates him

[@user-vk1nq9hx7v]

We need to get Nas Reid and Donovan

[@bfns23]

Lavine does have an extremely big contract but if we can get Lavine and Caruso without giving up Reaves and Vando im all for it. New starting 5 would be Reaves, Caruso, Lavine, Bron and AD 🔥🔥🔥 that starting 5 hypes me up! Bench would be Dinwiddie if he takes a small contract, Prince, Reddish,Vando, and C Wood🔥🔥🔥🔥. Imo that roster is wayy better than this season's squad that lost in 5 against Denver. That'll give us a big 3, and better perimeter defense with Caruso back. Also just think about all the defensive lineups we can run😮😮 Lakers would probably need some type of bruiser backup big and maybe they'll bring Bronny along😂

[@Ben-gt8iq]

You should get Jason Timpf from Hoops tonight!

[@FATHERSOFBASS]

Hell no Zack!!!! Hell yessss KIZZZZZMANIA!!!!

[@craigosterberg5045]

Do you think Jeremy Grant would be available? Get Dan the Laker Fan. Friend of Lakers Nation.

[@slowmoe4130]

Yes Brothers Dwight Howard what do they got to loose

[@charismaticcharacter6529]

I like Zach Lavine but how would he fit? Also, the thought is I don’t think we can afford to even have him. If we got him years ago, then I’ll be for it.

[@richborn6700]

Id say take a shot on DeRozen. He's not 100% committed to Chicago and might replace PG13 on the Clippers if he goes to Philly. I know Ballmer is obsessed with having a team of LA born starters to open his Inglewood arena regardless of their diminishing abilities

[@user-sk5bp1er4q]

Get Ja,Please!

[@stevewise1656]

No, they already went through this with Westbrook and could only sign minimum salary bench players. They need a deep team. The Lakers got lucky AD and Lebron were healthy for over 70 games each last season.

[@Mehranrokh]

LAvine will not work in Lakers at this cost. We just need 4 good reliable role players. One good quality pg, one real big, two 3d wings.

[@dreamdevelopmentproduction8548]

I’d rather have to DeRozan and Caruso

[@williammontano7863]

Bulls should give draft compensation for the Lavine salary dump.

[@edgardls95]

You would have to trade half the roster just to salary match an injury prone player that relies on his athleticism, not worth it imo. This team,healthy, is a legit rotation piece away from contending with the Mavs, wolves, Nugs, and Celtics.

[@dominicmanz272]

Lauri and caruso somehow 🙏

[@Hoy_phil]

Dont know bout the laker curse

[@reekflare7342]

Dejaunte & Halliburton (Dwight too)..

[@CD-fh3hi]

Dpor AD TIME TO MOVE ON WE NEED THE NEXT KAREEM

[@schmitkeoriginals]

LAuri Markenan/Collin Sexton for AR/Rui/JHS & 3 firsts 🤔🤔🤔 LAuri Markenan (stretch big, JJ will know how to use him, ideal with LBJ as offball "star," not ball dominant, helps AD rebound/defend bigs)... Collin Sexton (point of attack defender, efficient 3pt shooter, dawg - will pair well with Max, Vando)...

[@AndreP1524]

Utah isn’t trading Lauri no time soon

[@schmitkeoriginals]

Last year of his deal... Cooper Flagg in the draft and you think Ainge is gonna hold on to him to be not good enough to make playoffs, and not bad enough to be in lottery. You must not know Danny very well or what he did in Boston (and is doing in Utah: Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert... wake up brah, there's a fire sale about to start in Utah) 🔥🔥🔥

[@bfns23]

Lakers are gonna grab Bronny so they go no room for scrub Sexton

[@schmitkeoriginals]

@@bfns23 Klutch client... and a legit starter at pg, Bronny will need time - fits the exact same mold as Collin, there is no room for D Lo (39% career playoff fg)... either sign and trade (maybe to Orlando for Jonathan Issac) or let him walk and use the 13mil mid lvl on a 2 way player

[@richborn6700]

​@@bfns23wait are you calling a Sexton a scrub compared to Bronny? For real?

[@lionking266]

Only if he gets bought out

[@tyroneherman2601]

Kuzman want to stay in Washington. Make $$$$ and play meanless games. He don't want to be a role player. We guys are way off!!! Lavine is the better player.😊

[@shawncross5019]

The Lakers are going to be a average team for the next couple of years. 💯😊

[@dominicmanz272]

Wouldn't surprise me they pull the trigger and do something stupid like this

[@cjnadonga9571]

he ain't cheap. yeah you can get him for fewer assets but you still need to pay him 40 mil. he's not worth that.

[@WendellHolmesJr]

I wouldn’t mind Lakers getting Kuz & Poole. I feel Poole would be a much better player with guys like Bron & AD. He showed he can play with stars n GS.. also adding a minimum Center or through the draft this team would be loaded..

[@richborn6700]

Do you know how out of control Pooles ego would be if he left the phantom zone in DC for the Lakers?

[@Ro6ns]

NO

[@babut4059]

No lavin please

[@pigskinpep]

Here are my guest suggestions. Allie Clifton Jaime Maggio Doris Burke Mychael Thompson

[@jorgemoreno2804]

No

[@Blazin50s]

Bridges > Murray > Lavine & Trae. In terms of fit, not talent.

[@exotour3501]

What? Is Lakers a recycle bin?

[@jeremyjazwinski6349]

hey @ kam3n3tsky brothers , do y guys actually know anything bout the laker situation or just spewing bullshit ? i wonder

[@LockedOnLakers]

A little from column A, a little from column B... BK

[@pinoykayaker]

Damaged goods. Sale for parts, not working on eBay. Knowing Pelinka, he'll make this mistake.