The Los Angeles Lakers must reduce their roster from 16 to 15 players ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Forward Jake LaRavia has emerged as a key trade candidate to Chicago as Rob Pelinka balances salary cap constraints.
Chicago remains $2 million below the salary cap and holds a $9.4 million room mid-level exception. LaRavia carries a $6 million expiring salary, fitting neatly into the Bulls’ financial flexibility. He played all 82 games last season, averaging 8.2 points and 4.0 rebounds while offering defensive hustle. Meanwhile, Los Angeles seeks back-up center help and perimeter depth around Luka Doncic.
Reporter Morris Bankston outlined how Chicago could absorb the forward, writing: “An intriguing and risky trade opportunity for the Bulls would be acquiring Lakers forward Jake LaRavia into their room MLE to fill their 15th roster spot.”
Additionally, Jake Weinbach noted that Chicago’s Jalen Smith could be targeted: “If the Lakers discuss the possibility of acquiring Jalen Smith, a trade package would likely include Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, and second-round draft compensation. Smith is reportedly a trade target for the Lakers, but it’s unclear if the Bulls are willing to move the 26-year-old big man.”
Evaluating roster options, an NBA executive discussed Jarred Vanderbilt, remarking: “Vanderbilt is a guy who has probably gotten a bad rap there because he has had injuries and has not fit in well and all of that,” before analyzing LaRavia’s valuation: “He can still play, just not at that number. (LaRavia) is a guy who you can ride when he is hot, but it gets tough when he is not. But he is tough, he plays every game, he hustles. You’d like to see better defense but he hustles. And $6 million, most people would take what he gives you for that.”
Pelinka must trim the roster before opening night. Trading LaRavia offers a practical solution for both franchises.
