Los Angeles Lakers: 3 trade destinations if JaVale McGee opts-in

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are an interesting play because they’re contenders out in the East. But they’re also slated to possibly lose Serge Ibaka or Marc Gasol, or both. They’ve thrived with a center in their lineup so this could be a good fit.

Ibaka and Gasol combined for $48 million last year. Although their next contracts won’t look close to that, they could still save some money on McGee. At only $4.2 million, they can add McGee and have plenty of flexibility for other moves.

The Raptors have some very athletic players in Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell. So McGee would be great running the floor with them and he wouldn’t be asked to be a huge offensive contributor.

With the Raptors, he would be asked to play the glass and provide a defensive presence. He would again be good with the pick n roll. Raptors could let Ibaka and Gasol walk, add McGee and some other players.

Again it won’t take much but draft assets and the trade exception would benefit Los Angeles.

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