The Lakers Should Get LeBron James This Player For Christmas, Kendrick Perkins Claims

Kendrick Perkins has declared that the perfect Christmas gift for LeBron James from the Lakers would be trading for Zach LaVine. “They need that third superstar. They need someone who can play at the perimeter, someone who can score 20 consistently.” In short, Perkins wanted the Lakers to trade for someone who could help take the pressure off LeBron, who turns 39 at the end of the week.

LaVine is currently out with a foot injury that sidelined him in early December. However, he is expected back in early January. Before he went down, he was averaging 21 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists a game. That would make LaVine the third-highest scorer on the Lakers and the team’s 20-point scorer after LeBron and Anthony Davis. Whether they make this move remains to be seen.

Read More: Ime Udoka Ejected For Confronting LeBron James, Lakers Veteran Jokes That It Was About Thanksgiving

LeBron James Wants The Return Of Christmas Jerseys

Meanwhile, LeBron himself has expressed a desire for the NBA to bring back the Christmas jerseys that briefly existed in the early 2010s. “This was amazing!! 💨💨💨💨🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾. I do wish we had Xmas day uniforms across the league still. Wonder why it stopped. 🤷🏾‍♂️,” LeBron wrote on Twitter. The Lakers veteran was responding to a throwback post about the jerseys. It’s unclear why the NBA has stopped doing Christmas jerseys. However, the discontinuation likely came about as a result of the league focusing on more league-wide initiatives, such as the City Edition jerseys.

LeBron is in action on Christmas Day, as the Lakers play the Celtics. The team recently snapped a four-game losing streak thanks to a 40-point performance from LeBron against the Thunder. “We needed this win. We didn’t want to end the road trip in a losing effort. To come in here to play versus a team that’s been playing extremely well throughout this season, it was a big win for us,” LeBron said after the game. The Lakers are now 16-14 and hold the 9th seed in the West.

Read More: LeBron James Celebrates Bronny After His First Game With USC, Watch The Highlights

[via]

The post The Lakers Should Get LeBron James This Player For Christmas, Kendrick Perkins Claims appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rich Paul Pumps The Brakes On Rumors That Klutch Sports Is Forcing Zach LaVine To Lakers

The NBA trading scene and eventual deadline are some of the most exciting parts of the league. Sometimes, massive season-altering swaps can change the landscape. That could be the case for the Chicago Bulls and shooting guard Zach LaVine. For the past couple of seasons, the house that Michael Jordan built has been stuck in mediocrity. The core of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and the injury-riddled Lonzo Ball just has not panned out.

Chicago has been exploring options for the UCLA product, but the market is not great. Especially, because LaVine has not been on the floor in about four weeks with foot soreness. Furthermore, it has to do with the fact that the Bulls have been playing solid basketball without him. There are lot of factors working against him, but teams, like the Los Angeles Lakers, would still take him.

Read More: 50 Cent Shares Video Of Prisoner Making Wild Claims About Diddy And Cassie

Zach And Rich Have Time To Find A New Possible Destination

zach lavine
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 15: Zach Lavine #8 of the Chicago Bulls takes a breather against the Orlando Magic on November 15, 2023 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

According to Uproxx, Rich Paul spoke with The Athletic about rumors that his agency, Klutch Sports, is doing everything in its power to send him to LA. He pleasantly denied those serious allegations. “I don’t have a specific destination for Zach. I want what’s best for Zach and his family.” Paul continues, “In the event the Bulls decide they would like to go a different direction with the team, and it involves Zach, then I’m sure we’ll have conversations to get clarity on what’s best for both sides.” The reason for thinking he will wind up on the West Coast is because of the obvious ties of LeBron James and Anthony Davis being with Klutch.

What are your initial thoughts on this pushback from Rich Paul about Zach LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers? Do you think he will ultimately head there, especially with the strong connection with Klutch Sports? If he does not, what is the best fit for the all-star guard? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Zach LaVine and Rich Paul. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the sports world.

Read More: Gunna Lights Up Dubai with Dynamic Performance Of “Fukumean” For 17,000 Fans

[Via]

The post Rich Paul Pumps The Brakes On Rumors That Klutch Sports Is Forcing Zach LaVine To Lakers appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

SOURCE SPORTS: Zach Lavine and Chicago Bulls Become Open to Trade Options

Zach Lavine Says He Didn't Meet With Anyone But the Chicago Bulls During Free Agency

According to reports from The Athletic‘s Shams Charania, NBA teams are actively assessing the potential availability of two-time All-Starand Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, with both the organization and player expressing increased openness to explore trade opportunities.

General managers from across the league, gathered in Chicago for the annual Champions Classic, are expected to engage in discussions that could shape the trade landscape. LaVine, currently in his seventh season with the Bulls, has been a consistent force, averaging 21.9 points, 3.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in the 2023-24 season.

The 28-year-old guard, standing at 6-foot-5, is in the second year of a substantial five-year, $215 million maximum contract. Despite LaVine’s individual achievements, the Bulls have struggled to establish a winning team since his arrival in 2017. The team’s current record stands at 4-7, prompting discussions about potential trade options and reassessing plans for LaVine and the Bulls organization.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Zach Lavine and Chicago Bulls Become Open to Trade Options first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Zach Lavine and Chicago Bulls Become Open to Trade Options appeared first on The Source.

Zach LaVine Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Zach LaVine, a name that resonates with basketball enthusiasts across the globe, has made significant strides in the NBA. As of 2023, his net worth stands at an impressive $70 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But how did he amass such wealth, and what factors contributed to his financial success?

Born on March 10, 1995, in Renton, Washington, Zach’s passion for basketball ignited after watching Michael Jordan in Space Jam. His parents, Paul and CJ LaVine, both had sports backgrounds, with Paul playing in the NFL and USFL and CJ playing softball. This athletic lineage undoubtedly played a role in shaping Zach’s future. During his high school years at Bothell High School, LaVine showcased his prowess on the basketball court, averaging 28.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in his senior year. His exceptional skills earned him the title of the 2013 AP Washington State Player of the Year.

Read More: Giannis Antetokounmpo Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Collegiate Career And NBA Entry

Zach Lavine
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Zach LaVine #14 of the UCLA Bruins drives to the basket past Tommie McCune #23 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the first half at Pauley Pavilion on November 12, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Choosing UCLA for his college basketball journey, LaVine exhibited his dunking and shooting skills, securing 48 three-point field goals, the second-highest for a freshman in UCLA’s history. His performance caught the eyes of NBA scouts, and in the 2014 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him as the 13th overall pick.

Read More: Draymond Green Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Achievements And Accolades

Zach Lavine
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 20: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 20, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

LaVine’s NBA journey has been nothing short of spectacular. He secured the NBA Slam Dunk Contest title in both 2015 and 2016, a testament to his athletic prowess. His contributions to the game were further recognized when he was named the NBA Rising Star Challenge MVP in 2016. Beyond the national stage, LaVine represented the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, clinching a gold medal.

Read More: Nikola Jokic Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Financial Milestones

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 20: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls takes a three point shot in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 20, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

In July 2022, LaVine inked a 5-year contract extension with the Chicago Bulls, worth a whopping $215 million. This deal translates to an average annual salary of $43 million, a clear reflection of his value and contribution to the team.

Read More: Shaquille O’Neal Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Icon Worth?

Personal Life And Investments

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 13: Zach Lavine and Hunter Mar attend the Haute Living, HYT and Geneva Seals honor Zach Lavine at The Virgin Hotel on February 13, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Haute Living)

Beyond the basketball court, LaVine has made significant investments in real estate. In June 2023, he splurged $34 million on a lavish mansion in Newport Beach, California, situated in the exclusive Pelican Crest gated community. On the personal front, LaVine got engaged to his high school sweetheart, Hunter Mar, in 2020. The couple welcomed their first child, Saint Thomas, in the summer of 2022.

Read More: Zion Williamson Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Conclusion

Zach LaVine’s journey from a young boy inspired by Michael Jordan to an NBA star with a net worth of $70 million is truly inspirational. His dedication, hard work, and passion for the game have not only earned him accolades on the court but also financial success off it. As he continues to play and inspire, his net worth is only expected to soar higher.

The post Zach LaVine Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Chicago Bulls Reportedly Finding It Impossible To Trade Zach LaVine

The Chicago Bulls’ plan to potentially trade Zach LaVine has reportedly hit a major roadblock. While it was reported earlier in the offseason that the Bulls were testing the trade market on LaVine, it appears that there is no market to speak of.

However, this is not due to LaVine as a player. He is coming off a strong year statistically. Instead, the Bulls’ demands are simply too high for anyone to be able to offer a feasible trade.

It is believed that the Bulls have taken the Washington Wizards’ trade of Bradley Beal as a benchmark are looking to go well past the package Washington got. However, this has left them without anyone who is willing to part ways with that much capital.

Related: Victor Oladipo exercises player option with the Miami Heat

Bulls Shoot Themselves In The Foot On LaVine Trade

As mentioned, the Bulls are looking for a monster package for LaVine. This likely includes multiple first-round picks and at least one “elite” player. There are just a few problems with that demand.

Firstly, a trade like that would have been most useful before the draft, when there was at least one immediate draft pick on the table. This would have especially been the case for Chicago, who made just one pick midway through the second round. However, there is also the issue of LaVine’s contract.

LaVine is about to start the second year of a full-guaranteed $215 million contract. His 2023-24 salary is $40 million, equivalent to nearly 30% of the salary cap. So not only would the Bulls have to find someone who would both want LaVine and have adequate capital to give up for LaVine, they would also need to find someone who could take on LaVine’s massive salary. With free agency set to start on Friday, it appears that LaVine will be staying in Chicago for the time being.

Related: Moriah Mills claims she’s pregnant in latest chapter of Zion Williamson drama

Raptors Fielding Multiple Calls About Pascal Siakam

One player who is getting a lot of trade attention is the Raptors’ Pascal Siakam. Per Michael Grange of Sportsnet, the Raptors are fielding calls from at least six teams about the player.

It was previously reported that the Hawks were eager to acquire Siakam, as were the Kings. However, it appears that in the past week, at least four other teams have joined the bidding. The Raptors would reportedly prefer to keep the eighth-year player. However, the right draft package could convince the team, and new head coach Darko Rajaković, to move on from him.

The news comes amid rumors that the Houston Rockets are preparing a massive bid for Fred VanVleet. Per Marc Stein, the Rockets are reportedly willing to offer VanVleet a 2-year, $83.6 million deal in free agency. VanVleet made $85 million over the last four years in Toronto.

Related: LeBron James reacts to ESPN mock draft sending Bronny to Atlanta

[via][via]

The post Chicago Bulls Reportedly Finding It Impossible To Trade Zach LaVine appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

SOURCE SPORTS: Bulls Beat Pistons at Star-Studded Paris Game

Bulls Beat Pistons at Star-Studded Paris Game

After three years, the NBA returned to Paris for a regular season game. The matchup placed the Chicago Bulls, who famously made a trip to France with the Michael Jordan-led team in 1997, against the Detroit Pistons. The modern-day Bulls, led by Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, led the entire way to a 126-108 win.

LaVine poured in 30 points, DeRozan dropped 26, and the third piece of the Bulls Big 3, Nikola Vucevic, added 16 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists. For the Pistons, Bojan Bogdanovic dropped 25 points.

“Maybe the air up here was good for me,” LaVine said to ESPN in the postgame.

The game mirrored that of an All-Star game, as far as attendees, courtside and throughout the arena was Pharrell Williams, Magic Johnson, projected No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, Lil Baby, Pistons legends Ben Wallace and Rip Hamilton, Bulls legend Joakim Noah, and many more.

“I don’t want to quite compare this to All-Star,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said, “but it’s the closest thing to a European All-Star Game that we have.”

The NBA is a growing international game. There are nine French players, the last four MVP awards have gone to international players (two each for Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo), and four of the league’s best scorers – Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – are from outside the United States.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Bulls Beat Pistons at Star-Studded Paris Game appeared first on The Source.

Zach LaVine Reportedly Wants To Go To The Lakers

Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls don’t seem to be the fit they once were. There was a point where LaVine was on the verge of superstardom. However, he has been having it out with his teammates and his coaches. This past week, he had a pretty large argument with one teammate after they told him to play better defense.

With that being said, it is looking likely that both sides just move on from one another. If it were to come down to a trade, the Bulls could get a lot for LaVine. Additionally, there are plenty of teams out there who would love to have LaVine’s brand of talent.

Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls goes up for a dunk during overtime against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Zach LaVine To The Lakers?

Lavine is a Klutch Sports athlete, which means it should be no surprise that some think he could go to the Lakers. According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Lakers are looking like the likeliest outcome for LaVine. This is mostly because LaVine himself wants to play there.

“LaVine wants to go to the Lakers, that has been pretty clear for a while now,” Deveney wrote. “The agents (from Klutch Sports) want him to be in Los Angeles, he is a UCLA guy and they did some rattling about his contract last offseason, to kind of lay the groundwork if things blew up. Which they seem to be doing.”

Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks during the second half at United Center on December 14, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Getting LaVine would probably mean giving up Anthony Davis. For the Lakers, that could very well be a nonstarter. However, talks between the two teams have yet to actually take place.

This is a developing story so stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the league. Additionally, let us know where you think LaVine should go, in the comments below.

[Via]

SOURCE SPORTS: Zach Lavine Says He Didn’t Meet With Anyone But the Chicago Bulls During Free Agency

Zach Lavine Says He Didn't Meet With Anyone But the Chicago Bulls During Free Agency

For Zach Lavine, it was the Chicago Bulls and them only. Speaking on a Zoom call after officially signing a five-year, $215 million extension with the Bulls, Lavine revealed he never took a meeting with any other franchise.

“I went into the offseason with an open mind,” LaVine said, according to The Athletic. “I laid out my goals just like I always have. And once I was able to meet with (Bulls management) and they came to me with everything that I wanted, there was no other reason for me to go outside and look at any other teams.

“I think that would have been disrespectful on my end because they gave me everything I asked for, and everything on the table that I looked at had Chicago as all the pros. I did my due diligence on my own time, as well, and looked at things and made a decision for me and my family. But my heart was in Chicago.”

During his stint with the Bulls, Lavine averaged 24.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in over 270 games. Last year was a significant step forward for Lavine as the Bulls’ brass built a core around him consisting of DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, and more, that placed the team at the top of the conference for much of the season before injuries made an impact. Those injuries included Lavine’s nagging knee, which he received a procedure that he called “run of the mill” during this summer.

On May 24, Lavine had arthroscopic surgery on his knee and stated he feels way better. He also added that his goal is to win a championship for the team.

You can read more about Lavine’s goals for the upcoming season here.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Zach Lavine Says He Didn’t Meet With Anyone But the Chicago Bulls During Free Agency appeared first on The Source.