The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to have a moved trade deadline and first rumors about their possible targets are coming out. Following a tumultuous first half of the season, the Californians are looking to make some big changes on the roster and add pieces that can fit their plans.
Some names have been linked with the 17-time NBA champions, including Jerami Grant and Ben Simmons. However, more players could find their way to SoCal ahead of the trade deadline.
The Lakers are now focusing their attention on a Toronto Raptors player, trying to bolster their ranks. Gary Trent Jr. has surfaced as a good option for the Purple and Gold, but they’ll need to send two players to Canada to complete the move.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the 2020 NBA champions are interested in the 22-year-old.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been doing their due diligence around the league, and expressed interest in Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr., according to league sources. One of several players they’ve checked in on. However, I don’t see a deal happening between those teams at this time since it would likely have to involve Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn from a salaries perspective.
Right now it’s hard to see the Lakers pulling off this move simply because they lack the assets to convince the Raptors. Trent Jr. found his place in the world last season after the Portland Trail Blazers sent him to Tampa Bay (Raptors’ temporary home last season), improving his level and becoming a solid two-way player for the Canadian franchise.
If a team can make shocking trades, that’s the Lakers. Yet, it doesn’t seem like the Raptors will be open to making this deal. Trent Jr. averages 16.4 points per game this season, adding 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Canadian. He shoots 42-1% from the field while making 37% of his 3-pointers.
