Bulls Owner Jerry Reinsdorf Will Not Help The Lakers Land Zach LaVine, Says NBA Insider

Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf isn't keen on helping the Los Angeles Lakers land their star-player Zach Lavine.

LaVine has been linked to the Lakers, with league insiders suggesting that he is keen to play for the side, while there have been reports of other teams interested in his services as well.

However, one of the sources revealed that Reinsdorf isn't too happy with the prospect of LaVine joining the Purple and Gold. According to Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus:

“Not many teams would consider taking on a player dealing with knee issues on such a massive contract. Multiple NBA sources struggled to come up with market value given the circumstances. The same sources agreed if there’s a price no one else would pay, the Lakers might be willing, though one didn’t think the Buss family would consider that large a contract.

“Of course, that speculation could easily be moot. As one agent declared, ‘[Bulls chairperson Jerry] Reinsdorf isn’t helping the Lakers. If LaVine wants out, Reinsdorf and the Bulls have no obligation to honor any request.”

On the season front, the Bulls have been sputtering. They're placed 13-18 and 11th in the East.

NBA Insider Says Zach LaVine Never Chose The Chicago Bulls

Pincus' report also had comments from various insiders in the league and one of them outlined that the Bulls was never LaVine's preferred destination. The source also added that his contract was an "eyesore".

LaVine was traded to the Chicago Bulls along with Kris Dunn and the rights to Lauri Markkanen by the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Jimmy Butler and the rights to Justin Patton. He signed a five-year $215.16 million that includes a 2026-27 player option.

According to the league insider:

He wasn't going to turn away $215 million from the Bulls. No one else had that kind of money to offer. Zach's contract was one of those deals that immediately became an eyesore the moment he signed it. He's just not that healthy," the source continued. "I don't know that the Bulls have a real market for him."

LaVine has played 27 games this season averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. With the trade window open, the guard's time with the Bulls will be closely monitored.