CHICAGO (AP) — The approaching Dec. 15 deadline opens the trade window for NBA players, including Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. LaVine’s potential departure has been the subject of much speculation, with the Los Angeles Lakers emerging as the frontrunner for a potential trade.

LaVine, a two-time All-Star guard, has been a key player for the Bulls, but his possible departure has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the timing and destination of the trade, the looming deadline has sparked discussions about potential deals between the Bulls and other teams.

The Chicago Bulls’ executive vice president of basketball operations, Artūras Karnišovas, is facing the challenging task of finding a suitable exchange for LaVine. The Lakers have emerged as a potential trading partner for the Bulls, with D’Angelo Russell among the possible options for a trade deal to offset LaVine’s contract.

As discussions and negotiations continue, the Bulls are focused on identifying potential deals that would benefit the team in the long term. Karnišovas is navigating through the trade process while also considering the team’s future beyond the potential departure of LaVine.

The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of the trade discussions, with the Bulls aiming to secure a deal by mid-January. As the trade deadline approaches, the team will also need to make decisions about other key players, such as DeMar DeRozan, whose future with the team remains uncertain.

The trade discussions surrounding LaVine have sparked interest and speculation about the future of the Bulls. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the team’s composition and performance in the upcoming seasons.