In spite of high hopes, the Los Angeles Lakers’ season has gotten off to a slow start, with a record of 15-11. So far, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been outstanding, but as we head into the new year, there are still some worries about the supporting cast, as there usually are. Although Lakers general manager Rоb Pelinka has been mum on the subject of possible trades thus far, he is said to have his sights set on a specific veteran swingman from Chicago.

“The Lakers have preferred year-to-year flexibility over long-term salaries since their championship run in 2020, and especially after the catastrophic Russell Westbrook trade,” The Athleic’s Jovan Buha reported. “LaVine, meanwhile, represents a significant commitment for a player who’s been a borderline All-Star at best”

When compared to LaVine and Caruso, DeRozan is the Lakers’ best option on the court. Perhaps most significantly, Zach’s contract is worth over $80 million over the next two seasons, which is far more than the other players. It would be foolish for the Lakers to pay a young, inexperienced, and unilateral player like LaVine that kind of money when they already have two max-level superstars on staff.

Zach LaVine Cannot Be Traded

Zach LaVine was expected to be a top-tier talent since he was drafted thirteenth overall by the Timberwolves in 2014. After playing for the league for just two years, he won the slam dunk contest in 2016 and became a near-All-Star with the Wolves. Zach surpassed the ever-increasing expectations that followed his trade to the Bulls a few years later, as he averaged 27.4 points per game in 2021 and was named to his first All-Star squad.

The Bulls’ lack of success under LaVine’s leadership is unfortunate. Zach may be an asset when the ball is in his basket, but he has a reputation for being a ball-stopper and isn’t always able to defend himself effectively. The 28-year-old swingman’s outrageous $215 million deal adds insult to ιnjury, and teams like the Lakers are avoiding him.

Lakers Need Assistance

The Lakers can now concentrate on obtaining DeMar DeRozan, a long-time NBA veteran, since LaVine and Caruso are no longer part of the plan. Although he isn’t great from beyond the arc or on defense, DeMar is a realistic and ideal complement to LeBron and Anthony Davis due to his stature, style of play, and eagerness to contribute offensively. Despite shooting 44.1% from the field, DeRozan has been the Bulls’ most reliable and effective player this season, averaging 22.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game.

With their current roster, the Lakers will have a hard time winning, regardless of who starts for them (DeRozan, LaVine, or someone else). Even with Anthony Davis on the bench, LeBron James shouldn’t be playing this hard night in and night out at nearly 39 years old. It will be up to Rоb Pelinka to determine which players are the greatest match for the modern-day Lakers, as the team appears to need more players this season as it has in the past.