The Los Angeles Lakers have been mentioned in a series of trade rumors in the past couple of weeks, as they look to upgrade the point guard position and bring somebody that can help LeBron James and Anthony Davis compete for another championship.
Among the names mentioned as potential targets for the Purple and Gold, Fred VanVleet has earned more attention recently. So much so that Kevin Pelton proposes a trade involving the Lakers, Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors to improve every franchise.
3-Team Trade Scenario:
Lakers receive: Fred VanVleet
Raptors receive: Tyus Jones, Mo Bamba
Wizards receive: Malik Beasley, 2030 Lakers first-round pick (top-10 protected, or 2030 Lakers second-round pick)
This would be a big move for the Lakers, who could part ways with D’Angelo Russell after his inconsistent playoff run. The Purple and Gold have been linked with a series of players during the offseason, especially at the point guard position. Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul (before his Wizards and Warriors trades), and even Derrick Rose has been linked with a move to this team.
However, nothing is certain now, and some think the Lakers will run it back with their current roster, trying to go further than they did during the 2023 playoff. The Denver Nuggets swept them in the Western Conference Finals, and it’s unclear how the Lakers could improve that performance without making any improvements.
VanVleet averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 69 games with the Raptors last season.
Fred VanVleet Is Set To Get $30 Million In Free Agency
Meanwhile, VanVleet is a sought-after player who will reportedly have a big market in free agency. The 2019 NBA champion has some things to prove after his 2022-23 NBA season, but he’s confident he can be a good addition to any team in the association.
Besides the Lakers, the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have been mentioned as potential landing spots for VanVleet. This will be an entertaining free agency for the player, who is expected to command a $30 million salary in his next deal.
The Lakers could try to work their magic again and land VanVleet, which could give them hope to make it back to the Finals.
