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Shortly After Devastating Defeat, Lakers World Receive Positive Zach LaVine Update

Published 11/28/2023, 11:00 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers endured one of the worst losses of this season at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers overpowered them by 44 points, resulting in a lopsided 138-94 win on Monday night. However, after the gut-wrenching loss, the need to add a third superstar to their lineup is palpable more than ever. Although the situation is not as dire as it was when they started with a 0-5 record last season, a blowout loss by a wide margin of 44 points is quite telling. However, amidst the brutal loss, the Lakers might find solace in a positive Zach LaVine trade update.

Zach LaVine could join the Lakers

The Chicago Bulls are currently struggling for a lot of reasons. They have an ongoing losing streak of four games and have lost seven of their last eight matchups. Amidst the chaotic start to the season, they are also a part of the trade rumor mill. Their franchise superstar, Zach LaVine, has expressed his desire to be traded away. Although this is a big blow to the struggling Bulls, this might be positive for the Lakers, who could use this opportunity to add a third superstar alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

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Although the Lakers added several rotation players during the offseason, they are yet to figure out how to use their resources to their full potential. As a result, much of the load to keep the team afloat falls on the shoulders of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Therefore, with the addition of a new superstar, they could have a legitimate chance of coming out on top in the West. A new superstar would also ensure James gets the adequate rest the team had previously decided on.

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According to Shams Charania, this would be as good an opportunity as any, since Zach LaVine is up for grabs. He said, “LeBron James, Anthony Davis, they are playing at such a high level, you have to take advantage of how they are playing and that includes being proactive in the trade market.” However, one issue with this blockbuster deal would be that the Lakers would have to sacrifice a lot of depth in order to attain LaVine.

Is Zach LaVine the right choice?

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LaVine is receiving $40 million this season, which means the Lakers have to trade two or more players to meet expectations. However, Shams provides a solution to this dilemma as well. He adds, “I expect them to express interest in Zach LaVine. But he’s making almost 40 million dollars. So, to total the salaries to reach that amount in a trade, you got to let go of D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura. They are not both traded-eligible until mid-January…Now, the Lakers are going to take a prudent approach, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, two guys that are supposed to be massive for them in the rotation, they haven’t played much at all this year. I think overall you have to take advantage.”

But is sacrificing depth for a third star the right move? The team’s history suggests otherwise. The Lakers tried it with Russell Westbrook and failed miserably. Their rotation players played a crucial role in their trip to the Western Conference finals last season. Therefore, giving up their depth might prove costly to the Lakers’ championship aspirations this season.

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What do you think about the Big 3 of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Zach LaVine? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by:

Darshita Daga

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“When you think about winning, you go to the extreme '' - I try to stick by Giannis Antentokounmpo’s words. As a passionate reader, who found comfort in libraries, I am pursuing a degree course in English. With my newfound admiration for Giannis and the Bucks, I decided to explore NBA journalism as my career.
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Edited by:

Ruth John