The Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors are both expected to be fairly busy when free agency opens up. Tristan Thompson is a name that both teams are expected to have interest in signing.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated shed some light on Thompson’s potential options. Returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers still could be an option, but that seems unlikely at this point in time.

The Lakers would love to land Tristan Thompson, an ex-LeBron James teammate in Cleveland who would shore up the front line. The Raptors, who could lose both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, are expected to pursue the Toronto-born big man. With Andre Drummond opting into the final year of his contract, Thompson’s time with the Cavs could be over.

Thompson would be an excellent addition for both the Lakers and Raptors. He brings toughness, rebounding, and a lot of energy. All three of those things would be key for both teams involved.

As for where Thompson would want to play, the Lakers would absolutely make sense. He has played alongside LeBron James with the Cavaliers and the two worked well together. With the Lakers being able to offer a championship contending opportunity, that would have to be of intrigue.

On the other hand, the Raptors are a team that could definitely use a big man. If they lose both Ibaka and Gasol, they need a starter in the front-court. Heading north of the border and playing with Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam would be intriguing, especially since he would be heading back to Canada.

There are other teams who could come forward with interest as well. Among them could be the Los Angeles Clippers and even the Boston Celtics.

With free agency not having many “big” names available, Tristan Thompson is going to draw a lot of intrigue. Don’t be surprised to see the Lakers and Raptors show a lot of interest in Thompson very early on in the process.