Over the weekend, reports suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers may not be making any more major moves after their recent acquisitions of Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. General manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly considering standing pat and giving this revamped Lakers roster a chance to gel and show what they can do.
However, according to Evan Sidery, the Lakers have recently “checked in” with the Chicago Bulls regarding Nikola Vučević. The veteran center could provide additional depth and scoring to the Lakers’ frontcourt, though it remains unclear if the Lakers will pursue a trade for Vučević or if they will focus on internal development with their current squad.
With the team already making key additions in the offseason and this recent check-in, it suggests the Lakers are keeping their options open as they look to improve their chances this season.
Nikola Vučević is having an impressive season in 2024-25, averaging 20.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and shooting 55.8% from the field. His production could be the type of frontcourt help the Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for, especially given their need for additional depth at center, despite having one of the league’s best big men in Anthony Davis.
If the Lakers were to trade for Vučević, the pairing of him with Davis could give the team a well-rounded and formidable frontcourt. This could make the Lakers even more dangerous as they look to contend for the playoffs and beyond. Vučević’s scoring, rebounding, and ability to space the floor would complement Davis’s defensive prowess, creating a potent duo in the frontcourt.
However, acquiring Vučević could come at a steep price. The Chicago Bulls will likely demand a significant return for their star center, especially considering the level of interest from multiple teams. The Lakers have been hesitant to part with future draft picks, but to land Vučević, they may need to include them in the trade package.
While the idea of Vučević alongside Davis is enticing for Lakers fans, there is uncertainty about whether the front office will be able to pull off a deal. The question remains: Is Vučević the missing piece that can elevate the Lakers to title contention, and will they be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to acquire him?
