In the upcoming weeks, the Lakers will face a number of challenges that may impact their ability to trade for Zach LaVine or any player on their team. Before thinking about upgrading or having any serious negotiations, the team appears to be focused on evaluating their current group.

However, several factors will be involved once those conversations start. Whether it’s a major or minor impact, LeBron James’s alleged admiration for DeMar DeRozan and LaVine is certainly there.

Several outlets have covered this story in the past week, with The Athletic’s Jovan Buha being the most recent. The following was said by Buha while discussing the prоspect of trading LaVine with Bulls beаt writer Darnell Mayberry (emphasis added).

The fact that LaVine is a client of Klutch Sports is an undeniable consideration. Klutch, run by Rich Paul—a boyhood friend of LeBron James’—and the Lakers has been an excellent alliance for both parties over the last five years. With James, Anthony Davis, Cam Reddish, and Jarred Vanderbilt on the roster, the Lakers’ fondness for Klutch players during James’ time is understandable. For what it’s worth, James has also long been a fan of DeRozan’s and LaVine’s.

Both athletes have deep ties to LeBron and the Lakers. There has been much speculation about DeRozan’s possible allegiance to the Lakers, and it appears that LeBron was in favor of the team’s pursuit of him.

LeBron’s fandom of LaVine was previously unreported, yet it comes as no surprise. On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Ryen Russillo confirmed what Buha already knew—that LeBron is a fan of LaVine’s.

The most recent information I have is that LeBron has a strong crush on Zach LaVine, but I don’t know how true this is now. When you factor in the Klutch situation, I can tell that some are thinking, “Ok, LaVine has absolutely no market.” Keep in mind that an agent can always find a method to accomplish their goals. “Hey, I have clients on all these teams,” Rich Paul has said, as far as I am aware. That doesn’t imply something will actually occur.However, I believe that’s the most natural match because LeBron has shown interest in LaVine before.

By what margin, though, does this matter? Instead of, sаy, trading for Buddy Hield, LeBron backed a deal for Russell Westbrook. Just because he’s a fan of a Lakers player doesn’t guarantee the outcome is beneficial for the team.

Just so we’re clear, LeBron isn’t trying to get LaVine, DeRozan, or anyone else traded. This is more of a footnote for the time being, something to remember in the event that trade talks genuinely intensify.