Top 3 Lakers-Raptors Trades To Help Both Sides
Ahead of your Los Angeles Lakers' clash with the Toronto Raptors tonight, it's easy to notice how active the Raptors are on the trade market, recently having dealt OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks for Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, while also being open about shopping Pascal Siakam, among others.
The Lakers are simultaneously in a tough situation where they're currently at 18-19, and clearly have some trades that need to be made to help their point of attack defense, shooting, playmaking, and shot creation.
Luckily, Toronto has a few key players that have had histories of being productive that LA should have the assets to acquire.
Gary Trent Jr.
The Duke product is a former 2nd-round pick that is a proven 3&D wing, shooting 38% from 3-point range on a team with poor spacing to go along with 1.7 steals per game back in 2022. His numbers are down a bit across the board, but his 3-point numbers are up as the Raptors' spacing has improved significantly, hitting treys at a 38.5% clip.
GTJ remains an affordable option that has been relegated to a bench role in response to the team's acquisitions of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Given the logjam at guard, it's possible he's not part of the team's future, making him and his expiring deal a prime trade candidate.
Dennis Schröder
Former multi-time Laker Dennis Schröder has a great case to return to LA for a third time, as the 2-way guard is reportedly upset with his role in Toronto, as the newly acquired Immanuel Quickley has taken his starting job.
Schröder played a key role for the Lakers last season, and has the potential to fill the void Gabe Vincent intended to have prior to his knee injury. With a small contract and Toronto's acquisition of Immanuel Quickley, Schröder isn't part of the team's future, making him a great trade candidate for the Lakers.
Otto Porter Jr.
A bit more of a dark horse pick is Otto Porter Jr., who has yet to find a consistent role with the Raptors after signing there in the 2022 offseason.
Some key injuries along with the team's logjam of wings has left Porter Jr. in need of a change of scenery, and LA can provide exactly that. A prototypical 3&D wing, Porter Jr. played a key role in the Warriors' 2022 championship run, shooting 40% from 3-point range and being inserted into the starting lineup during the finals.
