Report subtleties that the Los Angeles Lakers had approval from LeBron James to seek after Zach LaVine at this season’s exchange cutoff time

Could Zach LaVine still be on the Lakers’ radar this offseason?

Had it not been for the season-ending foot surgery that Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine underwent, he could have ended up on the Los Angeles Lakers. According to a report on The Athletic, no less than the “King” himself, LeBron James, supported the franchise’s plan to bid for the high-flying wingman

The Bulls actively tried to find a taker for LaVine ever since his representatives expressed an openness to play somewhere else in November. However, the former UCLA star had been unlucky with injuries this season, missing December due to a sore foot.

Then, after returning and playing seven games, LaVine suffered a sprained ankle, which inflamed his foot once again. He eventually opted for surgery to repair his ailing foot, thus ending a disastrous campaign wherein he averaged subpar numbers of 19.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

According to a report by Sam Amick, Anthony Slater, and Jovan Buha, LeBron wanted LaVine on the Lakers to serve as another playmaker and scoring option.

While LaVine’s name was involved in nearly every trade rumor leading to the deadline last February 8, Chicago couldn’t get a deal done, owing to LaVine’s massive contract and injury history.