“I feel really good… I get the boot off soon,” said Zach LaVine, during the late end of the 2023-24 season. The 29-year-old star had a bumpy road, recovering from a broken foot throughout the last season, restricting him to just 25 games. Finally, the Chicago Bulls have something to hope for, as a fully fit LaVine and Lonzo Ball join the roster for the fresh season. Above all, with an all-new roster, the star guard opened up about his new role. However, this could be short-lived as strong trade rumors emerge involving the Lakers.

During the initial phase of the Bulls’ 2023-24 campaign, the rumor mills spun out trade speculations, saying LaVine had a lack of interest in the Bulls fold. But it immediately died down after he suffered a season-ending injury. However, it has picked up again amid the star’s confident statement about his new role in the side.

Following the explosive outing in tonight’s preseason game against the Grizzlies, dropping 28 points, Zach LaVine said, “Injuries suck and they happen. Last year, I played 20-some games with a broken foot. But I feel good now and we’re trying to get me in more and more (catch-and-shoots).” Notably, the star guard buried 6 three-pointers with 100% FG from the arc. He further added, “I’m more than fine with getting easy shots off the ball. I like those stress-free shots,” during the post-game interview.

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While the statement may sound sweet in the Bulls fans’ ears, they also have to worry about the growing trade rumors. According to BVM Sports, the Bulls might trade Zach LaVine to the Lakers as part of the three-team deal. In return, the Chicago side will stack the roster with Brandon Ingram and D’Angelo Russell along with two first-round picks. So, amid the Bulls star’s confident statement about his recovery and game, the franchise seems to have a big trade in their mind.

Can Zach LaVine fit the Lakers’ setup?

Zach LaVine rose to fame because of his ability to dunk the ball and make it look pleasing to the eyes. And to prove it, he has won two Dunk Contest back-to-back in 2o15 and 2016. However, the star’s game seemed to have taken a turn in the long run, as he seemed to have worked his game of catch-and-shoot from the arc. And it certainly paid him dividends in the last game.

On the other hand, the Lakers, with their new coach JJ Redick, have been plotting a new plan. Even though the Lakers have the potential to dominate the paint with their big bodies, Redick seems to be more interested in the long ball. After the loss against the Phoenix Suns, the rookie head coach made it very clear about his expectations.

Redick said, “To be clear, I’m OK with paint 2s in any facet. I don’t think you want to live on a diet of 10-15 foot floaters a game… f you look at it, for us and our group to take 40 3s in a game, that’s promising. We can get it up to 50, hopefully. But 40 was good.” So, without a doubt, LaVine would be a great fit for the Lakers. At the same time, for the Warriors, who are in lack of star power, the Bulls forward could make a huge difference, especially with his new catch-and-shoot weapon.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.