The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite the offseason when it comes to superstars. Luka Doncic and LeBron James have been the biggest names making headlines this summer. It all started when James quietly opted into his contract, followed by trade speculation. For a time, there was some belief that he could be traded.
“My conversations over the last 3 days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron as an expiring contract… I’m just unlocking the door because I am not as convinced as before if it’s impossibility,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said.
The biggest concern for James is that the Lakers are on a different timeline than he is. James wants to win now, but the Lakers may be planning for the future. However, Doncic has made it clear that his timeline is also focused on winning immediately, rather than waiting another year or two.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
If the Lakers want to be successful this season, they will need to add a center via trade. They re-signed Jaxson Hayes and signed DeAndre Ayton, but they still need a more proven presence. One possible target is the Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic.
“In this deal, the Bulls still get the benefit of an expiring contract like Vucevic, but also get an interesting swap with the Lakers in 2028. With Luka Doncic there, it’s unlikely it would become a Top 10 pick, but even if it’s a few spots higher, if the swap conveys, that could be a win,” SI’s Liam Willerup wrote.
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The trade would be beneficial for the Lakers, as Vucevic is a versatile and skilled player. He can score inside and stretch the floor. For stars like James and Doncic, having a stretch-five type player would be a major advantage. This move could significantly bolster their presence in the post.
