GettyAnthony Davis, left, and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers will go star shopping via trade this offseason. But in the NBA, that label can apply to a wide breadth of players, and recent developments beyond the team’s control could impact their plans.
However, the Lakers could have an ace up their sleeve: a trade target they know is available and with whom they already have an in.
Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine.
LaVine is a Klutch Sports Group client, as are Lakers stars LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Jarred Vanderbilt. He created a stir among fans when he was spotted approaching James and Davis at the agency’s pro day for its next wave of prospects, including Bronny James.
“Why was Zach LaVine with LeBron and AD,” BetMGM’s social team posted on X on May 22, including a meme of ESPN’s Brian Windhorst gesturing for emphasis.
Fans quickly noted the preexisting relationships between the three stars, and their partnerships with Klutch.
Some fans on social media had fun with the video and the idea of the trio playing together.
“See you fellas next year,” one fan wrote, posting a photoshopped image of the trio.
One fan attempted to read James’ lips in the video originally posted by Bleacher Reportas he spoke with LaVine, settling on “my dawg.”
Zach LaVine Comes With Injury Concerns
LaVine has been available for a trade for the better part of the last two years. But the Bulls’ previously hefty asking price has hindered their efforts to move him.
He comes with injury concerns as he hits Year 3 of a five-year, $215.1 million contract.
However, the two-time former All-Star could represent the ideal balance between cost to acquire in a trade and value on the court. And the Bulls could be desperate to move on after another lost season.
But LaVine could still face a challenging path to joining the Lakers in a trade.
“I think he [James] wants aggressiveness because that’s always his default,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick said on “The Rich Eisen Show” on May 17. “Now, ever since the Russell Westbrook trade didn’t work, LeBron has lost juice in Laker Land. He just has. They have not listened to him as much, and it’s funny because the narrative and the idea that Klutch Sports runs the Lakers just couldn’t be farther from the truth. A lot of times most times they are told no.”
The Lakers have ample trade assets in terms of players and draft capital. But a lack of available targets and a potential bargain price tag on a depressed player asset in LaVine could help the two sides finally align for a deal.
LeBron James Was in Favor of Adding Zach LaVine at Trade Deadline
James was in favor of acquiring LaVine at the trade deadline in February, The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Anthony Slater, and Jovan Buha wroteon February 14.But the Lakers focused elsewhere.
So the Bulls started trade talks with the Detroit Pistons. But LaVine shut it down for the season in February with surgery to address a foot injury.
There was speculation that the timing of the surgery – and even the decision to undergo the procedure – was to prevent that deal from going through.
However, the Bulls would prefer not to deal with the Lakers because of the presence of James, according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus.
“Their owner doesn’t want LeBron infringing upon Michael’s legacy,” Pincus told The Athletic’s Johan Buva on the May 21 episode of his “Buha’s Block” podcast. “The intel is that they’re just not gonna help LeBron.”
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He's based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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The Lakers paid a steep price to partner Davis with LeBron James: sending Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and the picks -- including the No. 4 overall selection in Thursday's NBA draft -- to the Pelicans, sources said. The Lakers were able to hold on to forward Kyle Kuzma in the trade.
Who is the Lakers player with the eyebrow? ›
Anthony Davis Eyebrows: Why Doesn't Lakers Star Shave His Unibrow Despite Online Memes? Anthony Davis once said, “I always tried so hard to fit in, and then I figured that I didn't want to fit.” Carrying that philosophy with him throughout his 12-year NBA career, the Los Angeles Lakers star created his own identity.
Is AD still a laker? ›
Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. (born March 11, 1993), nicknamed "AD", is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
When did Anthony Davis get traded to the Lakers? ›
Back in July 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans traded Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round draft picks.
What is Bronny James' salary? ›
Bronny James signed a 4 year , $7,895,796 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, including $4,371,403 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $1,973,949. In 2024-25, James will earn a base salary of $1,157,153, while carrying a cap hit of $1,157,153 and a dead cap value of $1,157,153.
Why did LeBron chose Lakers? ›
“Being able to play for a historic franchise with so much history, and now being able to partner with Magic Johnson, someone I kinda like looked up to when I was younger and wanted to make no look passes like Magic, wanted to get on the break and be Showtime like Magic and then for it to all come to fruition at this ...
Why does Anthony Davis keep the brow? ›
He has been quoted saying that he has always been comfortable with his unibrow and that it was never something he felt self-conscious about. In fact, he has credited it with giving him a sense of individuality and strength, which he brings to his game.
Why doesn't Anthony Davis get rid of his unibrows? ›
The LA Lakers superstar eventually donned the nickname "The Brow." Davis tried to shave it off back in high school after getting bullied by his peers and went through with it. However, once it grew back thicker, he decided to stick to it and embrace it.
Which Laker married a Kardashian? ›
Odom won two NBA Championships (2009 and 2010) and the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award (2011) with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was married to reality TV star Khloé Kardashian (2009-2016).
Who is the oldest NBA player? ›
The oldest active player is LeBron James, who is currently 39 years, 262 days old. He is the only active player who was born before 1985. The youngest active player in the NBA is Toronto Raptors forward Ulrich Chomche, the 57th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, who was born on December 30, 2005.
In 1947 the team moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Its name was changed to the Lakers to reflect the Minnesota state nickname, Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Where does Anthony Davis rank all time? ›
| # | PLAYER | PTS |
|---|
| 8 | Damian Lillard | 21151 |
| 9 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | 18502 |
| 10 | Paul George | 18032 |
| 11 | Anthony Davis | 17717 |
11 more rowsDRAFT PICKS
| FORWARD | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|
| Anthony Davis #3 | PF | Kentucky |
| Rui Hachimura #28 | PF | Gonzaga |
| Blake Hinson #36 | SF | Pittsburgh |
| LeBron James #23 | SF | St. Vincent-St. Mary (OH) (HS) |
6 more rowsBryant led the team to championships in 2009 and 2010, and was named NBA Finals MVP both times. He continued to be a premier player through the 2012–13 season when he suffered a torn achilles tendon. Bryant's next two seasons were cut short by injuries to his knee and shoulder; Bryant retired after the 2015–16 season.
Did Anthony Davis get traded in 2024? ›
Los Angeles traded its young core of Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram, as well as three first-round draft picks, for New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis. On June 26, 2024, the trade for Davis reached even greater heights after a pick swap ended up producing the biggest deal of the 2024 NBA Draft.
How much is Bronny James' contract with the Lakers? ›
James will receive a four-year, $7.9 million deal, which includes a team option for the fourth year, ESPN reported Wednesday. Bronny James and rookie Dalton Knecht will participate in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer Leagues prior to start to 2024-25 season, according to Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
Will Bronny James be a Laker? ›
Bronny James being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was something that many expected. It was clear that he was destined to join his father, LeBron James, on the Lakers.
Who signed LeBron to the Lakers? ›
Los Angeles. In a brief statement Sunday evening, Klutch Sports Group, James' management company, announced that he has signed a four-year, $154 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Did Demar Derozan go to the Lakers? ›
Though he had interest from the Lakers, L.A. Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat, he ultimately opted to sign a three-season, $73.9 million deal with the Sacramento Kings.
