Around the NBA, fans are waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers to make a trade. Why wouldn’t they? The Lakers are struggling. LeBron James is still playing like an All-NBA player. This team has every reason to improve.
On the other hand, what they don’t have is assets. The Lakers don’t have a strong collection of draft assets. They could pool everything they have together to land a star – but it would leave them with nothing.
Perhaps they’ll go all-in. Recent rumors have linked the Lakers to Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks and Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Those moves will likely have to wait until the summer.
Could the Lakers reunite with Dennis Schroder of the Toronto Raptors in the meantime?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Toronto Raptors’ Dennis Schroder
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Gabe Vincent, F/C Jaxson Hayes
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Dennis Schroder
Fans waited for the Raptors to make some moves as well. They finally made them. This has been the busiest organization in the NBA in recent weeks. The Raptors sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, and Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.
The Raptors were a candidate to make moves for entirely different reasons. The most important player on this team is Scottie Barnes. He’s barely old enough to order a drink. In time, the Raptors saw that they had to prioritize the future.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
On the other hand, James is nearly done in the NBA. It sure doesn’t look like it – James may survive another half-decade in the league. Still, he’ll eventually have to age (we think).
Does this deal do enough to maximize the Lakers’ current title window?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
James’ current level of play could impact the Lakers’ plans. They may realistically feel like they’ve got a two-year window. In that event, they may prefer to hang onto their best trade chips and see if a star guard becomes available this summer.
In the meantime, they shouldn’t waste this season away. James isn’t the only star that’s delivering on this roster. Anthony Davis is having a strong year as well. If the Lakers made a marginal win-now upgrade ahead of the trade deadline, they should become a dangerous team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Why not Schroder? He’s a capable playmaker and scorer. He’s also got previous experience playing with James. This could be a way for the Lakers to improve without breaking the bank. Should the Raptors sell on another veteran?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Yes. Barnes should be untouchable. The Raptors aren’t likely to move RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley. Otherwise, this team should be open for business.
The Raptors won’t get a first-round pick for Schroder. He’s aging, and he’s simply not impactful enough to warrant that price. If they could land an intriguing young player in a position of need, that ought to suffice for them.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Why not Hayes? Acquiring him could allow the Raptors to move Jakob Poeltl this summer if he’s still on the roster. Hayes is a surprisingly solid ball-handler for a big man, which ought to suit Toronto’s system. He’s a decent defender as well. He’d be a good acquisition for Toronto – even if this isn’t the blockbuster fans are waiting for the Lakers to make.
