4 desperate teams who could overpay for Raptors’ stars in trade

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Unlike the previous three teams mentioned, the Lakers don’t have the benefit of a ton of trade assets to part with. Russell Westbrook is the worst contract in the league, and the Lakers already flipped a good chunk of their second-round picks to the Wizards in exchange for Rui Hachimura.

That doesn’t mean Rob Pelinka is done trading just yet. While the Lakers might be somewhat screwed when it comes to building a winner in the post-LeBron James era, it would be a massive disservice to James’ heroic efforts this season if he didn’t try to gun for a playoff spot.

Will the Los Angeles Lakers attempt to trade with the Toronto Raptors?

With Gary Trent Jr. already a Klutch Sports client and Fred VanVleet expected to hire them after firing his old representation, the links between the two parties are starting to grow. Pelinka knows he’s getting the axe soon, so why not go down swinging by adding one of these Raptors?

The Raptors might get bigger hauls from elsewhere, but there is no telling what sorts of shenanigans Pelinka is willing to pull off if he can get a third team involved. LA can’t be discounted as a potential landing spot for Toronto’s best.