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The LA Lakers have shown signs of life in the past few weeks but still need to improve their shooting from beyond the arc. The latest rumors suggest that a sharpshooter for the Toronto Raptors could emerge as a possible target for the Lakers.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report said that the Raptors might make Gary Trent Jr. available for trade. Pincus explained that if Toronto makes a move at the deadline, it would be Trent, who might be their most expendable asset.
Trent has a player option for next season and could become an unrestricted free agent. If the Raptors make him available, the Lakers are one of the teams that could show interest. Trent is shooting 33.5% from beyond the arc but is a 38.2% 3-point shooter.
The LA Lakers could use someone like Gary Trent Jr. They're the worst 3-point shooting team in the NBA. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are better if they're surrounded by shooters. Even Russell Westbrook would benefit from having shooters around him.
Trent is averaging 16.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.6 steals this season. The Lakers could offer one of their picks or a package involving Kendrick Nunn and Patrick Beverley.
However, the Lakers could have stiff competition for Trent's services. Contenders such as the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat could also be interested in the Raptors sharpshooter.
LA Lakers also linked with Kyle Kuzma and 2 Chicago Bulls stars
In addition to Gary Trent Jr., the LA Lakers have also been linked to Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards and a pair of Chicago Bulls stars. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report reported that Kuzma wants out of the Washington Wizards. The former Laker will be a free agent at the end of the season, and the Wizards could make him available for trade.
Kuzma helped the Lakers win the championship in 2020. He knows how to play with LeBron James and Anthony Davis and also showed in his time in Washington that he's an improved player with All-Star potential. Pincus reckons the Lakers could offer a first-round pick for Kuzma.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls could alter plans for many teams, including the LA Lakers. Citing his sources, Pincus reported that the Bulls might start a rebuild if they continue to have a disappointing season. They have a couple of players who the Lakers might be interested in.
DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic have been linked with the Lakers before, but it could be explored if the Bulls decide to blow it up. DeRozan remains one of the best scorers in the NBA, while Vucevic is a solid big man with a smooth jump shot.
