The Los Angeles Lakers are once again at the center of trade rumors, with Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic emerging as their top target ahead of the February trade deadline. Reports from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints indicate that the Lakers are "highly interested" in acquiring Vucevic to address their frontcourt needs. With Anthony Davis openly advocating for the addition of a traditional center, the Lakers’ front office is under mounting pressure to deliver.
Anthony Davis has never been shy about his preference to play power forward rather than center. In a recent interview with Shams Charania of ESPN, Davis reiterated his belief that he is at his best when playing alongside a true center.
These comments have added urgency to the Lakers' front office efforts, as Davis, alongside LeBron James, believes that the team is just “one or two pieces away” from legitimate championship contention.
At 34 years old, Nikola Vucevic is having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting an impressive 55.3% from the field and 41.2% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and contribute as a rebounder and facilitator makes him an ideal complement to Davis.
Pairing Vucevic with Davis would give the Lakers one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in the NBA. Vucevic’s ability to space the floor would allow Davis to operate more freely in the paint and midrange, maximizing both players’ strengths. Defensively, Vucevic isn’t known as a shot-blocker, but Davis’s elite defensive skills could compensate for any shortcomings.
While the Lakers’ interest in Vucevic is clear, acquiring him from the Bulls won’t be easy. Reports suggest that Chicago is trying to drive up Vucevic’s trade value by sparking a bidding war among contenders. Despite this, no team has reportedly offered a first-round pick for Vucevic, leaving the door open for the Lakers to strike a deal.
The Lakers’ trade assets include Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and their 2029 and 2031 first-round picks, along with several second-round picks. While it’s unclear if this package would satisfy the Bulls, the Lakers may need to sweeten the deal to outbid other suitors.
If a deal for Vucevic doesn’t materialize, the Lakers have explored alternative options. Among the names reportedly on their radar are Jonas Valanciunas (Washington Wizards), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz), and Robert Williams III (Portland Trail Blazers). However, these players come with their own challenges. The Jazz, for example, have placed a steep asking price on Kessler, rejecting multiple offers that included first-round draft assets.
Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis have publicly expressed their desire for the front office to make significant moves. According to Charania, the two superstars believe the Lakers are a playoff-caliber team but need additional pieces to become legitimate title contenders. With the Lakers currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference with a 23-18 record, their stars are urging general manager Rob Pelinka to act swiftly.
LeBron’s historic 21st All-Star selection underscores his sustained greatness, but at 40 years old, he knows the clock is ticking on his championship window. Davis, meanwhile, has been vocal about his discomfort playing center and sees the addition of a traditional big man as a necessary step toward maximizing his performance and the team’s potential.
A potential trade package for Nikola Vucevic could include Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick, and second-round picks. This deal would address the Lakers’ need for a center while giving the Bulls valuable assets to jumpstart a rebuild.
In addition to Vucevic, the Lakers could look to acquire Coby White from the Bulls to bolster their backcourt depth. White is averaging 18.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds this season and could serve as a reliable secondary ball handler alongside Austin Reaves.
With the February 6 trade deadline fast approaching, the Lakers must act quickly to secure the pieces needed to solidify their playoff position and make a championship push. While Vucevic remains their top target, the front office must also be prepared to pivot if a deal with Chicago falls through.
Ultimately, the Lakers’ ability to acquire a player of Vucevic’s caliber could determine their fate this season. The ball is now in Pelinka’s court.
