There is no real shortage of trade rumors when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, and with the trade deadline just over three weeks away, one should expect those rumors to pick up even more.
They seem to be leaving no stone unturned when it comes to looking for some sort of upgrade for their roster, whether it is a frontcourt player or guard.
USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt implied that L.A. is interested in making a move for Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors.
Via USA Today:
“The Raptors are a hot topic. Will they blow it up? Make minor moves? Do nothing at all? It’s another interesting situation because the Raptors have players other teams want, including Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes, the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year. Adding intrigue is the contract situations: Siakam and Anunoby can become free agents in 2024, VanVleet a free agent following this season and Barnes is looking for a significant raise on a rookie extension. The 17-23 Raptors have financial decisions to make at some point. Keep this in mind, too: Under team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster, the Raptors are not known for major deals at the trade deadline. VanVleet is worth watching, and with his name linked to a possible Lakers deal, don’t discount a sly move for VanVleet by Orlando.”
Last season, VanVleet was an All-Star for the Raptors by averaging 20.3 points and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 37.7 percent from 3-point range.
However, he has regressed this year, as he is hitting just 32.9 percent of his attempts from downtown and 37.8 percent of his overall attempts.
VanVleet would be an interesting option for a team that already has ample backcourt depth and badly needs some reliable 3-point snipers.
