Lakers should trade for $60 million two-time All-Star center, new report says
The Los Angeles Lakers’ desire to add a quality center before February’s trade deadline is a mystery to no one.
It will be interesting to see which of the market’s big guys lands in Los Angeles. Will it be Jonas Valančiūnas? Robert Williams III?
One name to monitor in connection with the Lakers is two-time All-Star Nikola Vučević of the Chicago Bulls.
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale put out a new piece on Wednesday urging the Lakers to trade for Vučević.
Favale suggested that Los Angeles could send D’Angelo Russell, Christian Wood, and a 2025 second-round pick via the LA Clippers to Chicago in exchange for Vučević.
“Adding a talented big man remains a top priority for the Lakers, according to B/R’s Jake Fischer,” Favale said.
“Vučević will more than suffice if his current performance holds.”
“The seven-footer is currently lighting it up from, well, everywhere. He is shooting 71 percent at the rim (on more volume), 57 percent from mid-range and 47 percent from three.”
“This preposterous efficiency almost certainly won’t stick, but it is so absurd that Vučević has room to regress and remain hyper-useful. Los Angeles can use him both next to and independent of Anthony Davis.”
“Adding his $20 million salary to the 2025-26 balance sheet shouldn’t faze the Lakers when they’re not including a first-round pick. Dealing with a potentially more competitive market is the bigger hurdle.”
“Vooch has played well enough for the Bulls to get more than expiring money and a second-rounder. But the list of suitors chasing after 34-year-old centers who do not move the defensive needle beyond rebounding isn’t long.”
“Though Los Angeles should probably draw the line at distant first-round equity, tacking on additional seconds or perhaps a first-round swap is perfectly fine if the market dictates it.”
Vučević is in year two of a three-year, $60 million contract.
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