The Los Angeles Lakers will look towards rebuilding their roster this summer and adding key players to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers had some key issues, ranking 23rd in defense (117.4 OPPG), 16th in defensive rating (115.3), and only 24th in three-pointers made (11.8).

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls are obviously in the middle of rebuilding after they traded Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey.

As per the speculation of many reports, the next player that could be traded is Zach LaVine. In reality, there has been a problem for the Bulls because few teams have shown interest in acquiring Zach LaVine but we can resolve the problem in this blockbuster trade.

The Lakers need better shooting and defense and can hit two birds with one stone by engaging in a blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine and Coby White. At the same time, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly very high on Josh Giddey, which means Coby White could be heading to the exit door and could make this deal happen sooner rather than later.

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers receive: Zach LaVine, Coby White

Chicago Bulls receive: D’Angelo Russell (sign-and-trade), Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Max Christie, 2029 First-Round Pick

The Bulls could be on the path to finally rebuilding an average roster and this deal works well for both sides, so here is the full breakdown.

Los Angeles Lakers Create A Dominant Starting Lineup
Acquiring Zach LaVine and Coby White would transform the Lakers into an offensive juggernaut. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, has established himself as one of the most explosive scorers in the NBA, averaging 24.8 points per game over the last four seasons. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his elite athleticism, makes him a perfect complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Additionally, LaVine’s career 38.9% three-point shooting provides the spacing necessary for LeBron and Davis to operate inside.

Coby White is a go-to scorer at times and can be the perfect fourth option for the Lakers. Posting 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game on 37.6% from three this past season, the guard finished second in Most Improved Player behind Tyrese Maxey and is only going to get better as he is only 24 years old.

With a starting lineup potentially featuring Coby White, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Anthony Davis, the Lakers would boast a perfect blend of scoring, playmaking, and defense. This lineup could dominate on both ends of the court, allowing the Lakers to match up favorably against any team in the Western Conference. The addition of LaVine’s scoring and White’s shooting addresses the Lakers’ previous weaknesses, making them a formidable contender for the 2024-25 season.

Chicago Bulls Rebuild With Young Players
By trading Zach LaVine and Coby White, the Chicago Bulls would take a significant step toward rebuilding their roster around a younger core. Acquiring D’Angelo Russell (28 years old), Austin Reaves (26), Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Max Christie (21) injects youth, versatility, and potential into the team.

The Bulls are clearly heading in a different direction and could have a very talented three-guard rotation. Russell, a former All-Star, brings playmaking and scoring ability (18.0 PPG and 6.3 APG in 2023-24), which could flourish in a new environment. Austin Reaves has emerged as a critical piece for the Lakers during the 2023-24 season (15.9 PPG, 5.5 APG). His ability to handle the ball, create his own shot, and play solid defense makes him an ideal building block for the Bulls.

Giddey, Russell, and Reaves can form a very nice three-man rotation built on shooting, playmaking, and high-IQ play. Even if the Bulls won’t be winning an NBA title with this core, they are onto something with a new center of their roster that just needs a few pieces to become relevant in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Looking more toward the future, the 2023 No. 17 overall pick Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers’ promising youngster (22 years old), offers significant upside with his athleticism and two-way potential while 21-year-old Max Christie has yet to find his footing in the league. Adding a 2029 first-round pick further enhances the Bulls’ rebuilding efforts, giving them flexibility and assets for the future while Gabe Vincent’s playoff experience with the Miami Heat makes him a valuable addition to a young and developing roster.

By moving on from LaVine and White, the Bulls also create cap space and the opportunity to develop their young players including Giddey, Patrick Williams, and Ayo Dosunmu alongside Russell and Reaves. Opting not to re-sign DeMar DeRozan, who is in the twilight of his career, aligns with their long-term rebuilding strategy. This new direction sets the stage for the Bulls to build a competitive team for the future.

The Lakers Become A Force To Win The Title In 2024-25
With the acquisition of Zach LaVine and Coby White, the Lakers would form a new Big Four alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This core group combines elite scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess, positioning the Lakers as a top contender in the Western Conference. LaVine’s scoring ability would relieve some of the offensive burden on LeBron and Davis, allowing them to conserve energy for critical moments in games and throughout the season. His presence on the perimeter would also open up the floor, creating more space for LeBron and Davis to dominate inside.

Coby White’s floor spacing would also greatly benefit the Lakers and their poor three-point shooting this year. The guard had 7.0 three-point attempts this past season, nailing 2.6 of them. As White gets more open looks playing alongside James and Davis, the Lakers would greatly improve upon their 24th-ranked three-point shooting.

Together, LaVine and White bring a balanced attack to the Lakers. LaVine’s elite scoring and White’s floor-spacing complement the existing strengths of LeBron and Davis, creating a well-rounded and potent lineup. With this new core, the Lakers would have the firepower to compete with the best teams in the league, including the reigning champions. The combination of veteran leadership, playoff experience, and youthful energy makes the Lakers a formidable force, capable of making a deep playoff run and contending for the NBA title in the 2024-25 season.