The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to the Chicago Bulls in trade rumors for the better part of a year. Those reports and speculation pieces have generally centered around DeMar DeRozan, who has since joined the Sacramento Kings, and Zach LaVine, who remains in consideration.
The third All-Star in Chicago has been steadily overlooked, but as the Lakers attempt to find the answer at center, it's an option that's being externally considered.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently suggested that LaVine isn't the only Bulls player whom Los Angeles should inquire about. After acknowledging the concerns about LaVine's contract and injury history, Pincus suggested Nikola Vucevic as an alternative option for the Lakers to pursue.
It's an interesting proposition, especially with how significant the void at center has become in the aftermath of Christian Wood undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.
There's reason to be intrigued by Vucevic, who ranks among the most productive centers of his generation. There's also ample reason to be dissuaded from pursuing a trade, with few facts as damning as the combination of age and a possible decline in progress.
Nevertheless, Vucevic is an intriguing player for the Lakers to consider acquiring—starting with the fact that he's among the best options to address one of the team's most significant flaws.
Nikola Vucevic is intriguing, but it's not a perfect fit
Vucevic has been a captivating figure in NBA circles throughout his career. While not necessarily dominant, he's averaged 18.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.4 offensive boards, 3.2 assists, 0.9 blocks, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 three-point field goals made over the past 10 seasons.
The question, of course, is whether or not a 33-year-old Vucevic has enough left in the tank to help the Lakers contend.
He wouldn't be playing a featured role in Los Angeles, but he'd need to fit alongside Anthony Davis in a relatively significant manner. The fact that his field goal percentage dipped by 3.6 percent and his three-point field goal percentage fell by 5.5 percent from 2022-23 to 2023-24 offers cause for concern in that regard.
The upside here, however, is that Vucevic traded shooting efficiency for production in areas in which the Lakers are undeniably poor.
For instance, Vucevic averaged 2.8 offensive rebounds per game this past season—while the Lakers ranked dead last in that same category. Furthermore, Vucevic ranked No. 1 in the NBA in points via the pick and roll. and 11th among players who appeared in at least 60 games in points via post ups per game.
It's also worth noting that Vucevic knocked down 35.4 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes as recently as 2022-23.
Unfortunately, there's no way around the fact that he's 33 years of age and already declining in efficiency. He's by no means a below-average player, but with two years and $41 million left on his contract, this is too big of a risk for the Lakers to take.
Davis wants help at center, but the Lakers would be wise to pursue a more cost-efficient option for a player who would likely be introduced in a supporting role.
