The Los Angeles Lakers could target Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet this NBA offseason, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
VanVleet can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2023-24 player option with the Raptors. The All-Star is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, the same agent who represents LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“The Lakers do have other options beyond Kyrie Irving and not only just Fred VanVleet,” Windhorst said on GetUp. “The reason Fred VanVleet comes up is because it’s not clear whether the Raptors are going to move forward with the team that they have. It’s possible the Raptors can let him walk. And Fred VanVleet is represented by Rich Paul.
“If the Lakers open up the $30 million in cap room, they also have first-round draft picks they can trade. There’s a whole bunch of other options open to them via trade that wouldn’t necessarily be just Kyrie Irving.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
VanVleet signed a four-year, $85 million contract with the Raptors in November 2020. He averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists this season while shooting 39.3% from the field, 34.2% from beyond the arc, and 89.8% from the free-throw line.
The Raptors lost to the Chicago Bulls in the 9-10 play-in game and didn’t qualify for the playoffs. VanVleet, a one-time champion, told reporters during his exit interview that he wouldn’t rush into a decision about his future.
“I know we’re very dramatic around here,” VanVleet said. “It’s a tough way to go out. Not too much rush to jump into a decision about opting out. It will take some time.”
VanVleet will turn 30 during the 2023-24 season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
D’Angelo Russell played well for the Lakers during the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs, but he played poorly in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets. Russell becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer and there are rumblings that the Lakers want to replace D’Lo with either Kyrie Irving or VanVleet.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
