'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABgAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQYQAAICAgEFAQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwUABDEHERMXIoIBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQGEQEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAAMBERIhMf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AxvrDfq6vVrYnpSwkErznSYySxH5EbsWPHbJ8nSurSR1Y65IYgnwtyP3jGGFj5LO/ZRumpkbOOgZ//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The LA Lakers made quite a splash at the trade deadline, upgrading their roster for a potential race to make the postseason. However, there's always the possibility of missing the playoffs and focusing on the offseason.
The latest rumors suggest that the Lakers have a chance to sign All-Star guard Fred VanVleet. The Toronto Raptors guard has a $22.8 million player option for next season, but all signs point to him opting out and becoming an unrestricted free agent.
VanVleet reportedly turned down a four-year, $114 million contract extension in the offseason, per TSN's Josh Lewenberg. He also parted ways with Par-Lay Sports & Entertainment last month and signed with Klutch Sports.
According to Chloe Clark of Sports Illustrated, the LA Lakers have a chance to sign Fred VanVleet in free agency. Klutch Sports, headed by Rich Paul, handles the Lakers' two best players in LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
However, there are other expected suitors for VanVleet this summer. The Toronto Raptors could be interested in bringing him back based on what they did at the trade deadline. VanVleet was also linked with teams such as the Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic.
Clark also noted that VanVleet can still sign an extension with the Raptors until the end of the season. However, the 28-year-old guard could reportedly receive more in free agency.
As for the Lakers, they might use a wait-and-see approach with their current roster before making a splash in the offseason. D'Angelo Russell looks rejuvenated in his return to LA and will also be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Also Read: "How is this dude still respected by the NBA?" - Karl Malone 13-year-old girl scandal surfaces in wake of Bomani Jones video
LA Lakers interested in bringing back D'Angelo Russell
The LA Lakers acquired D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in a three-team trade with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves. Russell will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, but it seems like the Lakers are interested in bringing him back.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers traded for Russell with an extension on their mind. Wojnarowski noted that Kyrie Irving could still be a target, but he's more likely to stay with the Dallas Mavericks.
"I think it's more likely than not Kyrie Irving stays in Dallas just because of what they invested in him and his chance to get the kind of contract he wants is going to be with," Wojnarowski said. "But I do think they traded for Russell with the idea they'll go forward with him on a new deal."
