As the Los Angeles Lakers explore ways to shore up their frontcourt depth behind Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, one name on their radar is Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. A two-time All-Star with a polished offensive game and playoff experience, Vucevic would check several boxes for L.A. — particularly as a scoring option off the bench.
Vucevic told BasketUSA, “A week ago, the Bulls general manager contacted me after all the rumors about me and confirmed that none of it was true. I knew that, but it’s always nice when your GM calls you to tell you.”
That stance aligns with what other insiders have suggested. Marc Stein wrote recently on his Substack that Vucevic “should by no means be considered a buyout candidate this summer” and will open the year in Chicago unless a trade materializes. ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin added that while the Lakers are monitoring the situation, there’s no indication the Bulls are willing to part ways.
Nikola Vučević Pushes Back on Lakers Rumors, Reaffirms Bulls Commitment
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The Lakers’ interest in Vucevic is real — but the mechanics are complicated. Because L.A. is above the first tax apron, they would be barred from signing Vucevic midseason if he’s bought out, given his $21.5 million salary far exceeds the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($14.1 million).
That leaves two options: a rare preseason buyout, or a trade. To match Vucevic’s number, the Lakers could dangle expiring contracts such as Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Maxi Kleber. But the front office would need to weigh whether adding an 18.5-point, 10.1-rebound center is worth the loss in depth and flexibility.
Vucevic’s Value — and Ties to L.A.
Vucevic remains one of the NBA’s most reliable big men. Last season, he played 73 games for the Bulls while shooting 40.2% from three. He leads all active players in career double-doubles with 10+ points and 10+ rebounds, per StatMuse.
A California native and former USC standout, Vucevic would be a natural fit in L.A., both on and off the floor. But the latest reporting underscores that the timing isn’t right.
Bottom Line
For now, the message from Vucevic’s camp and the Bulls is the same: he’s not going anywhere. Until that changes, the Lakers will have to keep searching for ways to bolster their front line — while one of their top targets digs in to stay put.