The Los Angeles Lakers have not made any major moves this offseason other than signing Christian Koloko, but there could be a way for them to make the offseason a perfect way to get ahead in the 2024-25 NBA season. There is a proposed three-team trade on the table that would send former All-Star Nikola Vucevic to the Lakers in a deal that also includes names such as Zach LaVine, Ben Simmons, and D’Angelo Russell.
Mock Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nikola Vucevic
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Ben Simmons, D’Angelo Russell, Jaxson Hayes
We don’t often see three-team trades happen with big names moving teams, but this one could solve each team’s main issue ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. With the Lakers receiving a new starting center while the Nets and Bulls re-tool with some new talent, here is how this deal works out for all three teams.
Los Angeles Lakers Create A Dominant Starting Five
By acquiring Nikola Vucevic in this three-team trade, the Los Angeles Lakers would solve a significant roster need by adding a proven, reliable center to their starting lineup. Vucevic, a two-time All-Star, averaged 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists during the 2023-24 season, showing his ability to provide both scoring and rebounding. His offensive versatility, with an effective mid-range jumper and a decent three-point shot (career 34.1% from deep), would complement Anthony Davis' defensive prowess at power forward and LeBron James' playmaking ability. Vucevic’s ability to stretch the floor would also give James more room to operate and enhance Davis' role as an elite rim protector.
The Lakers would now boast a dominant starting five that features LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Vucevic. This starting lineup would not only have excellent balance but also a blend of offense and defense, making them a formidable force in the Western Conference. Vucevic’s presence as a legitimate center who can score inside and out, combined with Davis' defensive skills, would ease the physical burden on Davis, allowing him to play more minutes at the power forward position—a role he has publicly stated he prefers.
Additionally, with Reaves emerging as a capable third scoring option and Hachimura’s ability to contribute from multiple positions, the Lakers would enter the 2024-25 season with one of the most well-rounded and experienced starting units in the league. Adding Vucevic would not only solidify their frontcourt but also improve their spacing and give them another offensive weapon capable of putting up consistent double-doubles, positioning the Lakers as serious contenders for the upcoming season.
Brooklyn Nets Receive A Fresh Franchise Star
The Brooklyn Nets’ acquisition of Zach LaVine would give the team a much-needed boost in offensive firepower. LaVine, who averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, brings elite athleticism and scoring ability to a team that is searching for a new franchise star. After parting ways with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in recent seasons, the Nets have struggled to find a centerpiece to build around, and LaVine would immediately fill that void. His ability to score from all three levels and finish above the rim makes him one of the most dynamic guards in the league.
LaVine’s presence would also lighten the offensive load on players like Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson, who have stepped up in the wake of Brooklyn’s roster overhaul but could benefit from having a true number-one option to play alongside them. LaVine’s shooting ability—he shoots 38.2% from beyond the arc over his career—would help spread the floor for the Nets, creating more opportunities for Bridges and others to attack the basket. His ball-handling and playmaking abilities also allow him to serve as a secondary facilitator, giving Brooklyn a more dynamic offense.
From a long-term perspective, adding LaVine gives the Nets a player in his prime who is locked into a contract for several years, providing stability to a franchise in transition. With LaVine leading the way, Brooklyn could re-establish themselves as a playoff team in the East and continue to build around their promising young core, creating a fresh identity centered around athleticism and offensive versatility.
Chicago Bulls Continue Their Rebuild
For the Chicago Bulls team that has already move on from DeMar DeRozan this summer, moving on from Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine signals a commitment to a full rebuild, and in return, they would receive valuable pieces that can help them reset for the future. Ben Simmons may be the most intriguing part of the deal, despite his well-documented struggles in recent seasons. Simmons, a former All-Star and All-Defensive player, has shown flashes of elite playmaking and defensive abilities, but injuries and confidence issues have held him back. A change of scenery to a less pressurized environment like Chicago could reignite his career, allowing him to contribute in areas like ball distribution and defense, which remain his strengths.
D’Angelo Russell, meanwhile, provides the Bulls with a proven scorer and playmaker who averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game in the 2023-24 season. Russell’s ability to run an offense and create his own shot could help Chicago maintain offensive stability as they transition into a rebuild that is centered around Coby White and Josh Giddey. No doubt, Russell can be best used as a sixth man in this case.
Russell's expiring contract also gives the Bulls flexibility moving forward, whether they choose to keep him as a veteran presence or use him as a trade chip down the line. Jaxson Hayes, a young and athletic big man, offers rim protection and a lob threat, giving Chicago a piece to develop alongside their younger core.
For a Bulls team that has struggled to find its identity after the disappointing results of their recent core, this trade provides a fresh direction. By bringing in versatile players and shedding salary, Chicago positions itself for a proper rebuild with the opportunity to acquire more draft capital or create cap space for future moves. While losing LaVine and Vucevic would be difficult, this trade gives the Bulls a chance to reset and build a more cohesive and youthful roster for the future.
