Nikola Vucevic has been with the Chicago Bulls for part of the last five seasons.
While the 34-year-old has been in a lot of trade rumors over the previous few years, he is still coming off another solid season of production.
Vucevic had averages of 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest while shooting 53.0% from the field and 40.2% from the three-point range in 73 games.
Feb 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) grabs a rebound against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
This week, Anthony F. Irwin of ClutchPoints reported that the Los Angeles Lakers could be a team with an interest in Vucevic (if he were to get bought out by Chicago).
“Most importantly, Luka Doncic is expected to sign a max extension as soon as Saturday, the earliest opportunity to do so.”
Three-year max for Luka. Huge news for the Lakers and Lakers fans. Hell yeah. https://t.co/IhXcayrcUl
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) August 2, 2025
If the Lakers were able to land Vucevic (for nothing), he would be an intriguing addition for the team’s depth.
This summer, they already got their new starting center (Deandre Ayton).
Therefore, Vucevic would only need to play a limited role as an offensive scorer off the bench.
Via StatMuse: “Nikola Vucevic:
— 17.2 PPG
— 10.5 RPG
— 2x All-Star
Leads all active players in 10/10 games.”
Nikola Vucevic:
— 17.2 PPG
— 10.5 RPG
— 2x All-Star
Leads all active players in 10/10 games. pic.twitter.com/DRYCCDbHsF
— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 29, 2025
Vucevic was the 16th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft out of USC.
He also played his high school basketball in California.
The Lakers are monitoring Nikola Vučević’s situation, per @AnthonyIrwinLA
“This does leave a few interesting free agents still, not even including eventual buyout candidates like Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic. As they did with Smart, the Lakers are closely monitoring that… pic.twitter.com/Ltchd8RFvT
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 1, 2025
In addition to the Bulls, Vucevic has also spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
He had the best tenure of his career with Orlando where he made two NBA All-Star Games (and played part of nine seasons).
Via HoopsHype: “Most consecutive seasons averaging 10-plus rebounds
10: Rudy Gobert
8: Giannis Antetokounmpo
7: DEANDRE AYTON, Nikola Vucevic”
Most consecutive seasons averaging 10-plus rebounds
10: Rudy Gobert
8: Giannis Antetokounmpo
7: DEANDRE AYTON, Nikola Vucevic
So there’s that.
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) July 2, 2025