NBA Trades: Lakers land two huge upgrades in a possible Blazers and Raptors swap
By Cal Durrett
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of only a handful of teams to not make a free agency move, including a trade, this summer, but that may soon change. While they appear to be patiently waiting for a trade to materialize, an intriguing proposed deal could get them to consider making a move sooner rather than later.
The Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers may be in similar boats heading into the 2024–25 season, with both having valuable trade assets but neither team having any luck trading those players. Neither team has much incentive to keep a veteran that can help them win games on their roster, with both teams possibly hoping to land a high lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. That might make them ideal trade partners with the Lakers.
Los Angeles' inactivity has put them behind in the arms race in the West, with them being near the bottom half of the conference on paper but a much-needed trade could change all of that. That leads up to our proposed deal between the Lakers, Raptors, and Blazers, which could potentially help each team. Next, we will examine the trade pitch and see if it makes sense for all sides involved.