A lot of NBA fans have been talking about the Toronto Raptors recently. For the most part, they’re not talking about what they’ve done – they’re talking about what they haven’t done. The Raptors were supposed to move at least one of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, or O.G. Anunoby at last year’s deadline. They didn’t.
This summer, they were supposed to trade for Damian Lillard. At one point, the Raptors were seen as frontrunners for the star point guard. You know the rest. Lillard is a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. Once again, we’re talking about a move that the Raptors didn’t make.
How much longer can that be the discussion? Here’s another thing the Raptors didn’t do: retain Fred VanVleet in free agency this summer. Now, he’s a Houston Rocket. Meanwhile, the Raptors are falling apart, having received no value for VanVleet. At some point, the Raptors may need to make a move. Could they start by sending Anunoby to the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F OG Anunoby
Fans have been talking about the Lakers, too. That’s no surprise. Fans are always talking about the Lakers. This has been the league’s premiere franchise for decades now. The Lakers have had down years. but even when they’re down, they’re usually major players in the free agency market.
Look at how the team acquired LeBron James. The Lakers were a lottery team. There was no basketball reason for James to join the team. He simply decided that being a Laker would be good for his brand. Besides, in the NBA, talent has a way of attracting talent.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It wasn’t long before Anthony Davis joined James on the Lakers. Eventually, the Lakers would also land Russell Westbrook – although that relationship was doomed for failure. Would the Lakers have a successful partnership with Anunoby?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Absolutely. Anunoby is practically the opposite of Westbrook. As talented as Westbrook is, he struggles to fit in with other playmakers. Anunoby is as portable as any player in the league. Some would suggest that he’s the NBA’s best 3-and-D wing.
In some ways, the Lakers are merely upgrading Hachimura here. He showed some potential in his own right in last year’s playoffs, but he’s not Anunoby. He’s a relentless defensive playmaker who will give this team another wrinkle on that end of the floor. Offensively, Anunoby is the perfect fit alongside James.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Is giving up an unprotected first a risk? Certainly. The Lakers may miss that pick down the line. It’s a worthwhile cost to pay for Anunoby. James is nearing the end of his career, and the Lakers need to put their best talent around him now. Should the Raptors help James pursue one more NBA title?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
At this price, they should. It’s been reported that the Raptors would like several unprotected first-round picks for Anunoby. Sure they would. Does that mean they’ll get them?
We think not. The NBA’s market is changing. Teams are more apprehensive about sending out multiple firsts than they were even last summer. With that in mind, this is a good return for Anunoby. Besides, this isn’t a regular first-round pick. The Lakers are aging. By 2029, it would be no surprise if they were in the lottery. This would be among the more valuable first-round picks in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, Hachimura is young enough ti be part of a rebuild if that’s the direction that the Raptors choose. He’s not as impactful as Anunoby, but if the Raptors are thinking of lottery odds, that won’t concern them. Finally, they’ll be talked about for something they actually did do.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
