Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal 

Trent Jr. may be having an underwhelming season. He’d still be a large upgrade over either Patrick Beverley or Kendrick Nunn. 

In fact, when Trent Jr. is in the zone, he can be an elite floor spacer and a solid defender. Meanwhile, both of the Lakers’ outgoing guards have struggled to connect from long-range this season. 

Really, that’s the major incentive for the Lakers in this deal. It improves their floor spacing. That’s been an area this team has struggled mightily in over the last two seasons. 

Meanwhile, the Lakers don’t have to mortgage their whole future to make this happen.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

If they’re only giving up a swap, the Lakers would have five years to make sure it doesn’t convey. 

That sounds like a wise investment.