Lakers should trade for $60 million two-time All-Star center, new report says | Sporting News

The Los Angeles Lakers desire to add a quality center before Februarys trade deadline is a mystery to no one.

It will be interesting to see which of the markets big guys lands in Los Angeles.

Will it be Jonas Valanciunas ? Robert Williams III? One name to monitor in connection with the Lakers is two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls.

Bleacher Reports Dan Favale put out a new piece on Wednesday urging the Lakers to trade for Vucevic.

Favale suggested that Los Angeles could send DAngelo Russell, Christian Wood, and a 2025 second-round pick via the LA Clippers to Chicago in exchange for Vucevic.

Adding a talented big man remains a top priority for the Lakers, according to B/R's Jake Fischer, Favale said.

Vucevic will more than suffice if his current performance holds.

The seven-footer is currently lighting it up from, well, everywhere.

He is shooting 71 percent at the rim (on more volume), 57 percent from mid-range and 47 percent from three.

This preposterous efficiency almost certainly won't stick, but it is so absurd that Vucevic has room to regress and remain hyper-useful.

Los Angeles can use him both next to and independent of Anthony Davis.

Adding his $20 million salary to the 2025-26 balance sheet shouldn't faze the Lakers when they're not including a first-round pick.

Dealing with a potentially more competitive market is the bigger hurdle.

Vooch has played well enough for the Bulls to get more than expiring money and a second-rounder.

But the list of suitors chasing after 34-year-old centers who do not move the defensive needle beyond rebounding isn't long.

Though Los Angeles should probably draw the line at distant first-round equity, tacking on additional seconds or perhaps a first-round swap is perfectly fine if the market dictates it.

Vucevic is in year two of a three-year, $60 million contract.

More NBA: Lakers could acquire young superstar from Hornets for multiple first-rounders.

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