The Lakers’ inability to score 100 points in a home loss to the Miami Heat made their need for a top-tier guard even more pressing. It’s becoming obvious that the Lakers need to add a top-tier third star if they hope to be competitive this season, even with LeBron James and Anthony Davis healthy.
The Lakers made significant efforts to acquire Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets during the previous season; however, the Mavericks ultimately acquired him and re-signed him in the summer. Irving didn’t start the season well and only recently returned from a month-long absence, during which time Luka Doncic kept the 20-15 Mavericks competitive in the West. As a result, Irving hasn’t been at full health.
Having two elite guards like Kyrie and Luka is not as necessary for the Mavericks as they have more needs in their frontcourt. There’s a chance the Lakers could lure the Mavericks into a Kyrie trade if they include the Toronto Raptors in the deal.
With this deal, the Raptors get a solid draft pick, extend the contracts of Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent Jr., and further strengthen their roster. Though the Lakers will be content to give up one pick and three rotational players to finally get Irving on the roster, the Mavericks receive a sizable haul in exchange for Kyrie.
After trading OG Anunoby to the Knicks last weekend, the Toronto Raptors are currently in the midst of completely overhauling their roster. The Raptors’ acquisition of talented young players in exchange for a ton of draft picks demonstrated Masai Ujiri’s values. Dealing with Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent Jr. now, who have expiring contracts, creates a wealth of assets that the Raptors may use going forward or sell off.
Although D’Angelo Russell has had difficulty in Los Angeles this season, Darko Rajakovic’s offensive philosophy seems to be a good fit for him. Russell might be a flexible combo guard that Rajakovic feels comfortable running with any secondary guard, despite the fact that his inconsistent play will be difficult to take. Although he is averaging 6.1 assists and 14.8 points,
The 24-year-old Rui Hachimura adds a lanky wing that the Raptors could use as a backup or next to Scottie Barnes. Despite being dissatisfied with his role in Los Angeles, he is averaging 11.6 points and 3.6 rebounds. Although Max Christie hasn’t played much this season, he has the potential to become a very good two-way guard that teams will be clamoring for. Although Richaun Holmes is a salary-filler from Dallas, he does have a valuable first-round pick that is guaranteed after Luka’s current contract expires, opening the door for him to leave.
