The Los Angeles Lakers are searching for a high-profile asset to add to their roster.
However, an underrated Toronto Raptors star and New York Knicks outcast could be the perfect fit for the Lakers.
“Would the 15-12 Los Angeles Lakers — who haven’t made a single trade since Feb. 9, 2023 — swing for the fences with a big-ticket deal to save their 2024-25 season from what looks likely to otherwise be another quick playoff exit,” Sports Illustrated’s Alex Kirschenbaum wrote Saturday.
“It seems that, given team president and general manager Rob Pelinka’s reticence to part with his future trade assets at past transaction deadlines, he is not particularly confident in Los Angeles’ upside.”
“That said, with a rabid fanbase and likely some behind-the-scenes pressure from the league’s oldest active player — 39-year-old All-NBA power forward LeBron James — it seems likely that Pelinka will have to at least make some marginal moves to improve his roster.”
“Alternately, the Lakers could look to go a bit bigger, but to still thread the needle a bit, swinging a win-now deal to bolster their offensive versatility without surrendering all their future draft equity.”
“Los Angeles could probably get away giving up a heavily-protected first round pick or perhaps multiple second round selections in exchange for the contract of Toronto Raptors small forward RJ Barrett.”
“Barrett, Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley and a second round draft pick were shipped to Barrett’s hometown Raptors in exchange for oft-hurt championship forward OG Anunoby. So it’s possible no first-round picks will be poached in a subsequent deal.”
“The Lakers could flip the $11 million contract of underperforming point guard Gabe Vincent, along with starting combo forward Rui Hachimura (netting $27 million this year), to Toronto for Barrett’s $25.8 million deal and veteran swingman Garrett Temple, who in his prime was a fun two-way role player, but now is more a well-traveled coach on the floor.”
After the Knicks cut ties with Barrett last December, the Duke product immediately elevated his play at his next stop.
Barrett, formerly known as a shot chucker with no offensive discipline, averaged 21.8 points per contest on 55.3% field goal shooting and 39.2% three-point shooting with the Raptors last season.
Currently, Barrett leads the 7-22 Raptors in scoring with 23.5 points per game on 45.5% field goal shooting and 35% long-range shooting.
Considering Vincent has been a massive disappointment with the Lakers this season, Los Angeles should consider contacting Barrett and the Raptors this year.
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