Overview

• The Lakers are monitoring reports that the Chicago Bulls may buy out two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic to shore up their interior depth.
• Bulls insider K.C. Johnson stated the franchise has no plans for a buyout and intends to trade Vucevic for assets at the deadline.
• Vucevic averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and shot 40.2 percent from three-point range last season, blending rim protection with floor spacing.
• Los Angeles has already added Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart in free agency to address its lack of size and bolster perimeter defense.
• Facing a taxpayer mid-level exception and a hard cap, the Lakers view buyout opportunities as a cost-controlled way to add veteran depth without surrendering assets.