The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to a bevy of players this summer as they look to bolster the roster for next season.
After a disappointing first-round playoff loss in which any Laker not named LeBron James or Anthony Davis could not create their own shot, L.A. is searching the market for upgrades, particularly at the guard position.
Dennis Schroder’s future with the team is murky after he failed to exhibit his scoring abilities in the playoffs, and his defense deteriorated when it mattered most.
Making matters more complicated, Schroder is reportedly seeking a long-term deal worth $100-120 million, which puts the Lakers in a troubling spot both from a financial and talent standpoint.
The Lakers don’t have enough cap space to outright sign a player of Schroder’s caliber, and they cannot afford to let him walk for zero assets in return.
One such upgrade at the point guard position is Kyle Lowry, who the Lakers are expected to be a top suitor for, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic:
“The 76ers, Lakers, Mavericks, Pelicans and Heat are expected to be top suitors for Raptors free agent guard Kyle Lowry, sources said.”
It’s unclear what Lowry is hoping to receive in the free-agent market after earning $30 million in his final season with the Toronto Raptors.
Los Angeles could try to execute a sign-and-trade with Toronto, but the Raptors would have to accept players such as Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in return to make the salaries work.
Both teams talked extensively during this season’s trade deadline, but L.A. refused to include young guard Talen Horton-Tucker, who is a restricted free agent and would also need to be re-signed by L.A. if Toronto will not accept a deal without Horton-Tucker’s involvement.
The good news for L.A. is Lowry is also interested in signing with the Lakers, and he checks the boxes on both ends of the floor for what the Lakers need.
It would be a massive move for Los Angeles if a deal can be made between both sides.
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