While LeBron James continues to defy age and plug along post-40 years old, the Los Angeles Lakers will perpetually be in win-now mode. Never-ending rumors will swirl around Hollywood, but with the 2025 NBA trade deadline creeping closer, LA's last chance to build a potential contender around James this season is quickly dwindling.
The Lakers have several needs if they hope to have a legitimate chance at making a deep playoff run. Any LeBron-led team could use more floor spacers. LA needs help defensively on the wings. Another offensive fulcrum to play through would also be of use—hence the Lakers' potential interest in Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.
But another one of the Bulls' veterans who's undoubtedly on the trade block and in relatively high demand could be a better fit for Los Angeles, according to a recent rumor.
Lakers can't land Walker Kessler, could turn to Bulls' Nikola Vucevic
Per Shams Charania of ESPN, LA has made multiple attempts to acquire Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, but so far has fallen short of Utah's asking price.
Perhaps the Lakers are making such an effort to bring Kessler aboard because James' co-star, Anthony Davis, has been spending too much time at center. Davis believes his team needs to acquire another big man by the trade deadline, also per Charania:
"I think we need another big. I feel like I've always been at my best when I've been the 4, having a big out there."
Charania also pointed out that the Lakers aren't necessarily willing to go "all-in" on a trade and mortgage their future, which includes two valuable draft picks. The franchise is likelier to try and find a big man who can still help the team win now but at a cheaper price.
Enter Nikola Vucevic.
The 34-year-old is having a career year in terms of efficiency, shooting a team-high 55.5 percent from the field. He's also knocking down 40.6 percent of his 4.6 triples per game.
What the Jazz are demanding for Kessler hasn't been made public, but it's no secret Chicago is willing to deal Vucevic for some type of protected first-round pick or perhaps a few seconds. That's surely a less expensive option for LA.
With the trade deadline only 10 days away, a desperate Lakers franchise may be willing to settle for Vucevic instead of Kessler, making the Bulls' big man in even higher demand.