What should the Lakers do next? With Rob Pelinka not making any additions to the roster so far, that seems to be the biggest question this summer. As LeBron James nears 40, the Lakers could either go all in right now or begin strategizing for the time when LBJ is no longer wearing Purple and Gold. But who would take the throne after the King is gone? Well, there have been talks about an ambitious Luka Doncic pursuit. But insiders deem it unlikely and suggest a 29-year-old instead, who is on the chopping block of a legacy franchise.

During The Mismatch podcast, Kevin O’Connor revealed the Lakers’ possible plan post-LeBron James era, “I’ve reported on this podcast and on the Ringer how they have their sights set for Luka in the future. We’ll see if that works out.” However, Luka and the Mavs are in a great position right now, on course with their Gold vision, having made the Finals this past season, adding a talent like Klay Thompson. And if they can reach the mountaintop next season, it would be difficult for Pelinka to lure Luka Doncic out of Dallas.

Regardless, the Lakers are preparing for the big exchange, “The Lakers, by not trading their future picks, clearly, they’re still thinking long-term at this point. They’re not going all in like you might expect many teams to do with LeBron James.” Although getting Luka Doncic seems like a far-fetched dream, who is a more realistic star they can acquire to either pair with LeBron right now or after he is gone?

Well, Chris Vernon responded, “You don’t have to throw all your assets at it. What is the cost of somebody like LaVine now? Like it’s nothing.” While Vernon called Zach LaVine a “career loser” for not having made it big in the playoffs ever, he believes in the right situation, he could be a huge asset on any team because he is “mega-talented”. We already know the next question in your head, so let’s dive right in.

Is Zach LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers an actual possibility?

Well, LaVine has been on the trade block all summer long, but the Bulls have had a hard time finding interested suitors. Yes, Zach is a talented multi-position player who has been an All-Star twice and is a nightly 25-point scorer. But keeping aside his poor defensive reputation he is yet to prove his mettle on the big stage as he has played only 4 playoff games in his career. Moreover, with $137 million remaining on his contract, not many teams would want to risk going past the second apron for an unproven superstar.

Even the Lakers are just $45,000 below the second apron and acquiring Zach LaVine right now would require them to open a lot of cap space by giving up multiple assets and likely several young stars including D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. And Pelinka might not want to jeopardize the team’s future by giving up their youth.

Therefore, instead of joining forces with LeBron James right away, the Lakers would be better off adding LaVine when the King is no longer a part of the team in a few years. And the Bulls star could play an important role alongside a star like Anthony Davis.

Sure enough, Vernon has faith in LaVine, “I think the destiny for him is we will inevitably see him on a really good team one day helping a really good team actually win.” What are your thoughts about LaVine to the Lakers?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger