Lakers Sign $18 Million Raptors Sharpshooter In Proposed Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers are working with a few potential scenarios at the moment. The front office is expected to add a few new players. Alex Regla from Silver Screen and Roll says the Lakers should trade for a talented sharpshooter.

Toronto Raptors wing Gary Trent Jr. makes perfect sense for the Lakers. He averaged 17.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game with the Raptors last season which makes him an ideal target for the Lakers. He is a career 38.4 percent 3-point shooter and could easily join LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

How much should the Lakers pay to get him? They should trade Malik Beasley, Shaq Harrison, and the No. 17 overall pick to snatch Trent. Will Pelinka agree to this one?

“With good size at his position, the combo guard/wing has shown he can be feisty on the defense when engaged. On offense, his off-ball scoring ability would be a nice complement to whomever he shares the floor or backcourt with this season,” Regla wrote. “The team has also already been linked to Trent multiple times in the past, and it’s always worth noting that he is represented by Klutch.”

The Raptors wing can help the Lakers

Trent can make things easier for the Lakers. He may opt into his player option and go to LA. Experts suggest a sign-and-trade option, too. Trent doesn’t have much time and has to make a decision by June 20.

Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report says that the Raptors may not retain Trent and trade him to another team.

“Competing executives around the league don’t expect the Raptors to retain Gary Trent Jr., who may opt out of his $18.8 million contract,” Pincus wrote. “But he’ll need to do his homework to ensure that money is available in free agency (which may not be a lock in this market). Instead, he may opt in and eventually be traded by the Raptors.”

The Lakers have another trade suggestion besides the Toronto sharpshooter

Chris Paul is in a tricky situation with the Phoenix Suns. He would be an ideal option for the Lakers, but their cap space is a bit tight. However, the Lakers can offer him the veteran minimum. Jovan Buha from The Athletic discussed this scenario.

“Signing Paul to a veteran’s minimum contract would allow the Lakers to use one of their exceptions on another player to bolster their depth,” Buha reported on June 16. “Another option the Lakers have discussed is signing Paul and retaining D’Angelo Russell to truly solidify their point guard position, according to those sources.”