As trade rumors intensify, the Los Angeles Lakers are purportedly more interested in DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso than Zach LaVine.
Despite their awful start to the season, the Chicago Bulls are about to blow it up. Although Zach LaVine continues to be the main target of any possible trade, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso are also highly sought after. Actually, it’s said that the Los Angeles Lakers—who have been strongly associated with LaVine—are more drawn to DeMar and Caruso.
According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha (via The Volume Sports):
“I’ve actually heard that they’re more interested in DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. AC, he’s the one that got away, Lakers fans, it still bothers them, inside the organization, it’s still a very divisive topic. And then DeMar, he’s someone the Lakers have courted for several years now. Both of those guys are on more manageable contracts. Alex has a partially guaranteed deal for next season, DeMar is on an expiring deal, he comes in and he’s that over the top shot maker that the team doesn’t really have outside of when LeBron’s jumper is falling. Then Alex Caruso, one of the best point of attack defenders and we’ve seen the type of success he’s had beside LeBron and AD in a Lakers jersey.”
Buha made sure to note that LA is also very much considering LaVine; however, the other two make far more sense based just on fit and finances. Caruso established himself in the Purple and Gold, and it goes without saying that Lakers supporters adore him. Although it’s unfortunate that he left in the first place, there’s a good chance that the front desk will make every effort to get him back.
While DeRozan was scheduled to sign a contract with the Lakers prior to the sign-and-trade with the Bulls, Russell Westbrook was selected by Los Angeles. We are aware of the outcome. The native of Compton is a mid-range magician who would be a great shot-maker.
LaVine is only two years into a $215 million, five-year contract. The Lakers are taking on a lot of debt with that money. While the Bulls would obviously prefer to keep DeRozan and Caruso, if the team decides to rebuild, they might be able to acquire some nice young players and draft capital in exchange.