After a lackluster start to the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to not make a big trade ahead of the deadline despite LeBron James playing at an MVP level. That could put LeBron James in a position to request a trade once he becomes eligible to do so, and it seems the Chicago Bulls could be a dark horse team to land the four-time MVP and champion to grant his wish to wear the same jersey as his childhood hero, Michael Jordan.

"Western Conference executive: 'They’d be a darkhorse for me in this just because they have Zach (LaVine) and he could be a star for the Lakers, even if they would not be that good of a team. LeBron has always had a soft spot for Chicago, so it could work, and he could play with (DeMar) DeRozan, maybe Lonzo (Ball) if he is healthy. It would be an interesting mix.'

Potential deal: LaVine, who played collegiately for UCLA, would be the draw for the Lakers, but would the Bulls be willing to add Patrick Williams to the package? The Lakers would surely ask. If that does not work out, a LaVine-Alex Caruso package could work as a return for the Lakers." - SEAN DEVENEY VIA THE HEAVY

Why LeBron James to Chicago Makes Sense

For one, the Bulls have the pieces to land LeBron James while keeping enough talent to surround him to win a championship. DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic paired next to LeBron James could be the best realistic trio option for an aging James. Same reason why Kobe Bryant wanted to join the Bulls in 2007 when he initially requested a trade to Chicago, something about playing in the same uniform as his childhood hero. LeBron has looked up to Michael Jordan and has been stuck in his shadow for decades. This move could win him over in a fan base that's predominantly Jordan fans, which also happens to be anti-Lebron fans.

LeBron James has a long history of jumping ship to put himself in a position to win. He did in 2010 when he left Cleveland for Miami, then again in 2014 to leave Miami for Cleveland. Finally, in 2018 he chose to go to Los Angeles for a non-winning situation. However, he found a way to mortgage their future to land Anthony Davis, which resulted in a championship. Well, the future is now present, and the Lakers' mortgaged future is now a reality. LeBron James is 38 years old and having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging nearly 30 points per game and eight rebounds, and seven assists per game. If the Lakers refuse to trade their future 2027 and 2029 first-round picks, LeBron could again find his way onto another team for a winning situation, which could mean he's headed to Chicago.

Trade Package Idea

THE TRADE OFFER: LBJ TO CHICAGO FOR DEMAR DEROZAN, ALEX CARUSO AND PATRICK WILLIAMS.” – DAVID ALDRIDGE VIA THE ATHLETIC

David Aldridge from The Athletic put together a trade scenario with LeBron James headed to Chicago for DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams, and Alex Caruso. He felt confident enough to say there was a 5/10 possibility that the hypothetical trade scenario he presented could become a reality. It's hard to sell the Lakers on trading LeBron James for another aging and lesser star like DeMar DeRozan. Los Angeles has been long known for their flashy players. Zach LaVine has Hollywood flash written all over him. He also happened to be from the west coast and chose to attend UCLA. If the Bulls are genuinely a dark horse team to land LeBron James, a swap for a young star like Zach Lavine makes sense for both the Lakers and the Bulls.