The Los Angeles Lakers season is over, and they now have to think about the future. With LeBron James not retiring after all, Rob Pelinka has to build a contender once again.
D’Angelo Russell has become a wildcard as a free agent despite initial signs it might work out with the Lakers. And with it looking likely that the Lakers are okay with him leaving, Bleacher Report has suggested an interesting sign-and-trade.
“Ideally, the Toronto Raptors will bring back opt-out candidate Fred VanVleet for less than $30 million per season on a new deal. But if he expresses a desire to change venues, Toronto could work out a rare double sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Lakers to land FVV’s replacement.
“D’Angelo Russell has been part of such an exchange before when he came to the Golden State Warriors in a double S-and-T for Kevin Durant. If all parties involved agree and find ways to make the money work, Russell could wind up in Toronto, giving the Raptors the conventional pick-and-roll operator they’ve long lacked.”
This is an interesting proposition, Fred VanVleet has already been named as a primary target for the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Kyrie Irving. He can score and also be a secondary playmaker, which would make him a good fit. He averaged 19.3 points and 7.2 assists on the Raptors last season, and he would be a good get for the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers Want To Build Around LeBron James And Anthony Davis
There was some speculation that the Lakers might decide to blow it all up, but it seems they want to go all in again with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. GM Rob Pelinka reiterated that when he said the franchise would invest in them moving forward.
“LeBron and AD as two pillars is, you know, to us an unmatched combination that will continue to lean into and build around and both incredibly high character players that want to win, play the game the right way. We’re proud of that combination of superstars and want to continue to invest in that and invest in advancing the growth we had this year into next season.”
This plan means Fred VanVleet would be an excellent addition to the Lakers. If they have to move on from D’Angelo Russell in the process, it’s a sacrifice the team is likely willing to make. A deal like this is far from easy to execute, both teams and players would have to agree, but it remains an intriguing possibility.
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