Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine may be a better fit for the Los Angeles Lakers, should the team opt to acquire a new addition to their roster. At least that’s what former Washington Wizards shooting guard Gilbert Arenas thought, as he touched on who the Los Angeles Lakers could benefit the most in trading—LaVine, or is it Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler?
In a podcast interview on Playback TV, Arenas shared his insight on why he thinks Zach LaVine could fit well with the Lakers, should he be open for trade and should the Lakers be open to signing a new name to their roster. When asked, his answer was straight and simple.
“Zach LaVine,” he said. “Jimmy Butler, the way he plays now? I’m good. I don’t need another guy who’s just gonna disappear just whenever. I don’t need fourth-quarter Jimmy right now. I need someone that’s gonna get us along. I already got fourth-quarter Bron, that’s gonna be 20 points in the fourth quarter, I don’t need that s**t no more.”
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The Los Angeles Lakers, while not necessarily among the worst-performing teams this season, has been a consistent name in the rumor mill when it comes to trade talks and suggestions. The team has been plagued with injury problems with their major frontcourt players such as Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, and Jarred Vanderbilt.
The pressure to maximize and fully utilize players with long-term contracts is also there, such as in the case of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The team has been repeatedly rumored to be in trade considerations, and may potentially be willing to let go of players like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent to make way for players that could fit more with LeBron and Davis.
Zach LaVine: “No Market” For Miami Forward?
The Lakers are not the only team that analysts think could benefit from acquiring Zach LaVine. However, word has it that despite the value he can bring to the table, no team may be interested in trading him—and for a good financial reason.
According to Brian Windhorst, the problem with LaVine is that not many teams can afford to match his salary, or at least would be willing to take the financial risk just to sign him.
In an episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, Windhorst discussed why he can’t seem to hear Zach’s name in the trade market right now.
“He’s having an excellent year,” Windhorst said. “We know that he’s been on the trade block for a year now, at least. Yet, I hear nothing about LaVine on the trade market and I don’t think it’s because the Bulls aren’t interested in trading him.”
Zach LaVine is so far averaging 22.1 points per game, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
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