NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Eyeing $60 Million Chicago Bulls Star as Prime Buyout Target in Ongoing Roster Reshuffle

Time of India

2 days ago

Luka Doncic (Image via Getty)
The
Los Angeles Lakers
' offseason revamp has addressed several key areas, but the franchise appears far from finished. With an eye on bolstering their frontcourt depth even further, the Lakers are reportedly monitoring the buyout market closely—particularly the situation surrounding two-time
All-Star Nikola Vucevic
of the
Chicago Bulls
.
Los Angeles Lakers Monitoring Bulls Center Nikola Vucevic
According to a recent report by ClutchPoints' Anthony Irwin, the
Los Angeles Lakers
are 'closely monitoring' the situation involving Nikola Vucevic, who could become a buyout candidate later in the season.
'This does leave a few interesting free agents still, not even including eventual buyout candidates like Chicago's Nikola Vucevic. As they did with Smart, the Lakers are closely monitoring that situation.' — Anthony Irwin, ClutchPoints
Vucevic has been the subject of multiple trade rumors this offseason, yet no substantial interest has materialized.
The Bulls, facing a roster that lacks clear direction, are now reportedly open to a midseason buyout if no trade suitors step forward.
What Vucevic Brings to the Table
At 34, Nikola Vucevic remains a capable and highly versatile big man. Last season, he averaged:
Nikola Vucevic (Image via Twitter Chicago Bulls)
Category
Stat
Points
18.5 PPG
Rebounds
10.1 RPG
Field Goal %
53.0%
3-Point %
40.2%
Despite his age, his ability to operate as both a traditional post player and a floor-spacer makes him a rare commodity. At 6'10', Vucevic could thrive in a second-unit role, giving the Lakers offensive stability off the bench without disrupting
Deandre Ayton's
position in the starting lineup.
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Lakers' Roster Outlook and Fit
The Lakers have already made waves this offseason by acquiring Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. These moves filled some key gaps on the roster—interior presence and perimeter defense—but the frontcourt still lacks depth.
Here's how the rotation might look with Vucevic added:
Player
Role
Deandre Ayton
Starting Center
Nikola Vucevic
Second-Unit Anchor / Backup Center
With Ayton's game centered around athleticism and paint presence, Vucevic could complement the second unit by offering offensive versatility and shooting from the outside.
Cap Space and Competition
One major hurdle in acquiring Vucevic lies in the Lakers' limited financial flexibility. The team might only be able to offer him a veteran minimum contract, which may not be enough to compete with cap-rich franchises like the Golden State Warriors or the Detroit Pistons.
Team
Advantage
Lakers
Title Contention, Prestige
Warriors
Larger Cap Space, Veteran Core
Pistons
Cap Flexibility, Expanded Role
Vucevic could opt for a larger role and more money elsewhere, making the Lakers' pursuit somewhat uncertain despite their interest.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Are Not Done Yet
The Western Conference remains stacked, and while the Lakers have improved, they're not yet a lock for championship contention. This keeps the pressure on the front office to seek impactful moves throughout the season—whether through trades or savvy buyout acquisitions.
Also read:
Why the New York Knicks Could Land $93 Million Washington Wizards Superstar as Potential Free Agent Addition for 2025-26 Playoff Push
Vucevic represents exactly the kind of player who could tip the scale in their favor, provided he becomes available and agrees to terms.
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