The Los Angeles Lakers are going to do everything they can to upgrade their roster this NBA offseason. Their resources are limited, so Rob Pelinka is going to have to get creative to acquire some talent.
Los Angeles traded virtually all of their tradable assets to the Washington Wizards last offseason in the ill-fated Russell Westbrook blockbuster. While they would love to hit the reset button on that deal, it sounds as if they are going to try and make that Big 3 work again this upcoming season.
If that is the case, they will have to adjust some things. The coaching staff has already been changed, as Darvin Ham is taking over for Frank Vogel. The roster also needs to be reshaped with more shooting surrounding Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
One trade package that has been floated around that the Lakers are shopping is Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, and a future first-round pick. It makes sense, as those were the only two players on the roster last season that had a salary lower than a max but higher than a veteran’s minimum.
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Reportedly, that is the same package they were using during the regular season. They were aiming high, as Gary Trent Jr. of the Toronto Raptors is someone that the purple and gold looked into trading for.
Trent is an ascending player. He has proven he can be a knockdown 3-point shooter on high volume and score in bunches. His defense is improving and at only 23 years old still has plenty of time to grow his game.
The Los Angeles Lakers targeting him makes plenty of sense as his skill set, right now, would play well alongside the Big 3. But, the Raptors aren’t going to just give him away, even with a player option looming for the 2023-24 season, meaning Gary Trent Jr. is basically an expiring contract.
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He will be looking to cash in, as his next contract could easily start at $20 million annually when you combine what he has accomplished, his age, and ceiling. That is the type of player that the Lakers would love to get their hands on, but they likely don’t have the assets to get a deal done.
The package of Horton-Tucker, Nunn, and a first-round pick has gone down in value since the regular season. Horton-Tucker struggled with extended playing time and Nunn never got on the court because of a knee injury.
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The future first-round picks could have a lot of value, as the future outlook of the Los Angeles Lakers is bleak. However, given the success they experienced this season, the Toronto Raptors are likely more interested in acquiring pieces that can help them win now than a draft pick they may not see for five years.
