As we approach the NBA season, there are certain teams that we’re all keeping an eye on. Some of them are worth watching because they’re candidates to blow up their roster. Others are more likely to make a win-now move.
Take the Toronto Raptors. There’s been plenty of speculation around this team for quite some time. By now, it doesn’t seem likely that they’re going to blow up their roster this summer. With that said, if they’re falling short of expectations by the deadline, they could make some moves.
How about the Los Angeles Lakers? Well, this team won’t be rebuilding. If they’re satisfied with their performance leading up to the deadline, they could stand pat. On the other hand, if they feel like they need a boost in talent, they could make a move. Could they trade for Jakob Poeltl of the Raptors?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, C Jaxson Hayes, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, G/F Cam Reddish, G Jalen Hood-Schifino
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Jakob Poeltl, G Dennis Schroder
Both of these teams are fixtures in the rumor mill. They both find themselves there for vastly different reasons. There’s an irony here. The Raptors and Lakers won NBA titles in back-to-back seasons. Where did their paths diverge?
Well, it boils down to superstars. The Raptors lost theirs. They won an NBA title with Kawhi Leonard leaving the charge. He departed for Los Angeles – now, Leonard is a Clipper. This team has a lot of talent, but without an A1 superstar like Leonard on the roster, they’re no longer in contention for an NBA title.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
On the other hand, the Lakers kept their superstar. With that said, he may not be able to perform like a superstar for much longer. LeBron James is nearing retirement. Any season could be his last. Yet, somehow, he’s still performing near an All-NBA level. Could this deal help him win one more championship?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
We think so. The Lakers may need some help with their center rotation. Christian Wood is a talented offensive player, but he struggles on the defensive end of the floor. Meanwhile, time will tell whether Hayes is equipped to be a primary rim protector on a title team. If he is, the Lakers may not like this deal at all.
If he isn’t, they could look elsewhere for a defensive big. Poeltl should qualify. He’s a strong rim protector who can also survive in space. On the offensive end, Poeltl is a great passer and a solid pick-and-roll finisher. Simply put, he’s the best player in this trade.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
With that said, losing Russell would sting. The Lakers do need some secondary playmaking behind James. That’s why they’re reuniting with Schroder here. All told, this deal ought to make the Lakers a better team. What does it do for the Raptors?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
This deal has the Raptors splitting a difference between staying competitive and rebuilding. Russell would be a meaningful upgrade to their point guard rotation. Who knows? The Raptors could actually improve by making this deal. If Precious Achiuwa is ready to take a step forward, the Raptors could thrive without a traditional big man on their roster.
Yet, that isn’t the point here. The point is to get younger. The Raptors are flipping Poeltl for several young players. Vanderbilt might be the highlight here. He’s a multi-positional defender and a nifty passer in his own right. As a matter of fact, he could end up being the answer at the 5 for Toronto.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Otherwise, Hood-Schifino could be the point guard of the future. Reddish still has some upside. If Toronto isn’t happy with their performance leading up to the deadline, this could be a deal worth making. For now, all we can do is keep an eye on them.
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