Lamar Odom Shuns Zach LaVine for 34YO Bulls Teammate as Lakers Trade Remains Uncertain

As a former Sixth Man of the Year, Lamar Odom knows that it takes more than just 1 or 2 superstars to win a championship. As the trade deadline nears, one name has been on the Lakers’ radar. The trade rumor mill is abuzz that the Purple & Gold are looking to acquire Zach LaVine. And Lamar Odom would love to see the move materialize. At least, the 2011 Sixth Man of the Year expressed that opinion before his former team won the In-Season Tournament. However, now, he favors LaVine’s teammate instead.

The 2x champion whose 2009 and 2010 banners hang next to the In-Season banner, believes the Lakers are in need of new talent. His choice for that talent though keeps changing. Let’s see which Bulls star he is favoring for his former team now.

Lamar Odom contemplates Lakers’ trade opportunity

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly shopping for new talent in the trade market. Several insiders claim that Zach LaVine is a hot commodity for the team. While the Chicago Bulls are having an underwhelming season, word has it they’re looking for a new team for their 28-year-old star. On The Lade Show, Lamar Odom expressed mixed feelings about acquiring the former dunk contest winner.

WATCH THIS STORY | Shaquille O’Neal Surprises “Dummy” Charles Barkley on New Show Premiere With Mystery Call

When asked if the Lakers need to rebuild their roster, Odom said, “It’s too late to go and get Zach LaVine. He would’ve been good for this team.” His co-host, Aron Cohen, said it would not be too late to acquire LaVine. They were discussing this right after the Lakers lost to the Knicks. They then faced off against the Bulls today, losing 108-124. LaVine didn’t play. It was instead their 34-year-old powerhouse who stole the show.

“If we had to go get one of somebody from the Bulls, I would get DeRozan,” Lamar Odom confessed. DeMar DeRozan is the only ray of hope carrying the Bulls right now. He outshone LeBron James in 36 minutes, going 27-7-9 in this game. “I’d go with the grit,” he said about the mid-range maestro.

The Bulls and Lakers have been linked with trade rumors since the In-Season Tournament was still underway. It’s not only LaVine, they’re interested in DeRozan and their former guard, Alex Caruso.

As LaVine is in the second season of a five-year $215 million deal, his chances of getting traded are higher. Not long ago, Odom was in favor of it too.

Zach LaVine previously had Odom’s approval

While the Lakers were in the semifinals of the tournament, Odom questioned how long the current roster can sustain. “They don’t have enough talent,” he had said, referring to the health statuses hampering their consistency.

He was hard on Anthony Davis and also dismayed at the extreme reliance on King James alone. He believes newer shooters are the answers to the Lakers prayers. Odom admitted that the Lakers needed someone like Zach LaVine, who can, “fly through the roof,” to score.

His preference has changed from the high-flying LaVine to the calm and composed DeRozan. It’s still an open market and we’d have to see which of Odom’s predictions comes true.

READ MORE: “I’m Glad He’s Gone” – Why Was Charles Barkley’s Absence Celebrated on TNT’s Live Show?

However, since DeMar is on an expiring contract, the Bulls are less likely to demand a massive haul for the 34-year-old. But do you think DeRozan would add spacing to the Lakers’ current roster?