I apologize if I throw up, but I just heard a trade rumor that said Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls was traded to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
It’s hard enough to be optimistic in a town where it seems unlikely that the McCaskeys and Jerry Reinsdorf will ever leave or be replaced by replica artificial intelligence versions of themselves, let alone hear these kinds of rumors.
For this reason, it makes complete sense that Marc Eversley and Artūras Karnišovas, together known as AKME, have the ability to pull the trigger on the NBA trade that would spell the end for Chicago.
Chicago Bulls, please, please don’t.
I find it sickening to think that the Chicago Bulls would trade Zach LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers in order to play with LeBron James.
I am aware that we are discussing a trade, but let’s put that trade’s specifics aside for the time being. Set aside the acquired assets as well as any offers made by the Lakers. Could you even bear this on its own?
I’m aware I can’t.
Whether it was on or off the court, LeBron James is notorious for the things he did to ruin the Chicago Bulls during his career.
Ironically, in an attempt to surpass the greatness of Michael Jordan, LeBron James has become the anti-Michael Jordan after infamously considering the Bulls as runners-up during the Decision to officially end the Derrick Rose era.
LeBron James represents tearing down Chicago, while Michael Jordan represents its glory. LeBron James represents softening competition, while Michael Jordan represents fierce rivalry. LeBron James stands for joining the best, while Michael Jordan stands for defeating them.
Whatever your position, LeBron James and his career have been an embarrassment to Michael Jordan’s legacy and a disservice to the city of Chicago.
Therefore, why should we watch helplessly as willing participants in trade deals while LeBron James selects the best players to form a championship-caliber team for yet another time—not the fifth, sixth, or seventh time—?
Please understand that I am not writing about LeBron James as the general manager. He is the reason for that. As of right now, Rob Pelinka is GM merely by designation. He moves in sync with his cash cow.
In the current NBA, that might make sense commercially, but that doesn’t mean the Chicago Bulls have to participate. Zach LaVine is not necessary to involve in it.
It’s no secret that I think highly of Zach LaVine, even though he may divide Bulls Nation.
It’s simple to forget all that he endured and overcame while playing for the Bulls. Although the man has been paid by us, it’s difficult to claim that he hasn’t earned it. After all, during the infamous Bulls head coach Jim Boylen tenure, only Coby White was a member of the team alongside him.
Did he receive an Alpha salary? Yes, but in the modern NBA, that is his rate. Is he a leader? No, but that’s a whole other conversation. It is unfair to hold Zach LaVine responsible for AKME’s demise.
Whether fans like it or not, this player will be argued as the best scorer in Chicago Bulls history who isn’t Michael Jordan in the future.
For that reason alone, why in the name of competition would we permit that player to team up with the anti-Jordan? Why take the chance when they might not get a ring?
Trade Zach LaVine somewhere else if this is the only way to end his time with the Chicago Bulls.