The Los Angeles Lakers should stay away from a deal like this with the Toronto Raptors even if it promises a young star for the future.
The Los Angeles Lakers could be presented with the choice to overhaul their roster this winter, as Rob Pelinka is reportedly willing to move players and picks to land players who can be difference-makers and can grow under JJ Redick over the next three to five seasons .
The Lakers need to strike a balance between acquiring win-now players and players who could stay with them for years to come, with potential deals offering them what they want theoretically. A team like the Toronto Raptors definitely could give the Lakers a strong reason to cash in their chips to land a future star and two talented rotational players who can help them now.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: RJ Barrett, Bruce Brown, Chris Boucher
Toronto Raptors Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
The Raptors add multiple assets that could find a home on the franchise or be traded away instantly at the expense of two players who are disgruntled and one young star in Barrett. RJ is the main attraction for the Lakers to part with their coveted 2029 first-round pick, with the perfect depth pieces making the deal even more enticing. But the Lakers need to stay away from this deal.
Lakers Buying Into A Roster That Won’t Work
Barrett’s numbers are incredible but they’re as empty as they get, given the Raptors have given him the ultimate green light this season. We have seen the improvement the New York Knicks made last season after trading him away and the Raptors have a 17-41 record in games Barrett has played doesn’t prove he can be a winning player within a specific role next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers.
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