The Los Angeles Lakers are going to be hard-pressed to upgrade their roster this NBA offseason through free agency. The team doesn’t have much money to spend to make a splash despite having only six players under contract for next season.
That number could increase to seven if Montrezl Harrell picks up his player option and Talen Horton-Tucker was extended a qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent. With so much of their depth from last season hitting free agency, Rob Pelinka will have to get creative when filling out the roster for the 2021-22 season.
If there is one positive to being a contending team, it is that players will want to join your team even if it means being paid less. Having the opportunity to compete for a title alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis is something that will draw players in despite the Lakers’ lack of salary cap space.
One player that reportedly has his eyes on the Lakers is point guard, Kyle Lowry. Lowry is an unrestricted free agent and depending on the direction the Toronto Raptors take this offseason, could be heading for a new team.
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Los Angeles pursued Lowry before the trade deadline, but a deal was not able to be reached. His former Raptors backcourt mate, DeMar DeRozan, also has his eyes on a homecoming with the Lakers.
Acquiring both will be difficult unless one of them is willing to take a massive pay cut. The chance to win a title together may be enough to convince them to do so.
If the Lakers are going to acquire Lowry, here is the best sign-and-trade offer they could extend to the Raptors.
