As the Los Angeles Lakers continue seeking ways to bolster their frontcourt depth behind Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, one name on their radar is veteran Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. A two-time All-Star with a polished offensive game and playoff experience, Vucevic would be a strong addition to the Lakers’ rotation — particularly in a scoring role off the bench.
But for now, there’s one major obstacle: he’s not available.
Vucevic Draws Lakers’ Interest — But Bulls Not Budging Yet
Despite whispers around the league and recent reporting from ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin that the Lakers are monitoring the situation, NBA insider Marc Stein poured cold water on any near-term buyout hopes. “Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic should by no means be considered a buyout candidate this summer,” Stein wrote via his Substack. “He will open the season in Chicago unless a trade materializes between now and the start of training camp in late September.”
That language — “unless a trade materializes” — leaves the door open, albeit slightly, for the Lakers to explore a trade. As things stand, the Lakers could feasibly offer a package of expiring contracts such as Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Maxi Kleber to match Vucevic’s $21.5 million salary for 2025-26. However, such a move would require the front office to decide whether Vucevic’s scoring and rebounding — he averaged 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds on 53/40 shooting splits last season — outweigh the cost in depth and flexibility.
Why the Buyout Window Matters
The Lakers’ front office reportedly sees a potential Vucevic buyout as the cleanest path forward, avoiding the need to sacrifice rotation players or future picks. But under the league’s current cap rules, timing matters: teams above the first tax apron — as the Lakers are — cannot sign players bought out during the regular season if their salary exceeds the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($14.1 million in 2025). Vucevic’s deal far exceeds that threshold.
That means unless a buyout comes before the season or the Lakers trim salary to get under the apron, they’d be barred from signing him midseason — even if he becomes available.
A Proven Talent With Local Ties
Vucevic, 34, remains one of the most consistent big men in the league. He has career averages of 17.2 points and 10.5 rebounds, and leads all active players in 10/10 games, per StatMuse. Last season, he played 73 games for the Bulls and shot 40.2% from beyond the arc.
Drafted 16th overall in 2011 out of USC, Vucevic has spent time with the Sixers, Magic, and Bulls. His best years came in Orlando, where he earned two All-Star selections and was considered one of the league’s most skilled scoring bigs. The California native would be a natural fit in L.A., even in a limited role behind Ayton.
But for now, he remains a Bull — and the Lakers’ interest, while very real, is on hold.
Bottom Line
Unless Chicago has a sudden change of heart or a trade comes together in the coming weeks, LA will have to wait — and watch — as one of their preferred big-man targets begins the season elsewhere.