Kyle Lowry
If Zach LaVine is going to be too expensive, you can always go for another 3-point marksman in Kyle Lowry.
Lowry has been one of the more disrespected stars in recent NBA history. A tenacious competitor, a great leader, and a beloved teammate, Kyle Lowry would be a great addition to the purple and gold.
Drafted 24th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2006, Lowry has been remarkably consistent for over a decade.
During the trade deadline, the Toronto Raptors seemed to be very willing to move on from their once franchise cornerstone.
The Lakers and Raptors were deep in negotiations for Lowry but a deal was not reached before the deadline.
Could a deal be struck in the offseason?
The sticking point in the deal was the purple and gold’s unwillingness to part with young prospect Talen Horton-Tucker who has a bright future with the purple and gold.
The Lakers were right to decline, Horton-Tucker has the potential to be an incredibly impactful player for the purple and gold in the near future.
Lowry has been a marksman from the 3-point line this season The Raptors point guard has shot a scorching 39.4% from the 3-point line this season.
So don’t leave him open from the 3-point line, he will crucify you.
While Lowry’s overall numbers don’t stand out compared to Zach LaVine’s, that’s the reason he is significantly more attainable for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, and some 2nd round picks would potentially be sufficient for the Raptors to make the deal with Lowry coming back the other way in a sign-and-trade deal. With the potential to lose Lowry for nothing, getting two impactful players in return could be enough for the Raptors to say yes.
It makes sense for the Raptors to make this deal.
Adding a stretch 4 like Kyle Kuzma could allow for Pascal Siakam to get minutes at center and allow for the Raptors to try out a small-ball lineup. Kuzma is locked up contract wise meaning you don’t have to worry about the power forward position for a long time.
With the Raptors currently in the lottery, there will be a significant amount of talent that could easily fall into their lap. Adding two pieces in KCP and Kuz could allow for the Raptors to go with the best player available or even give them more assets to use in a trade-up if they see a player they really want near the top of the draft.
KCP along with Gary Trent Jr would give the Raptors a pair of decent guards to have moving forward.
Kyle Lowry on the Lakers gives coach Frank Vogel a sharpshooter they have been begging for since they overpaid Danny Green and brought in Wesley Matthews this past season.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Kyle Lowry will get untold amounts of good looks. if the Lakers can keep Andre Drummond, Dennis Schröder (A two-point guard lineup like they have in Toronto), and Talen Horton-Tucker, the Lakers will have a really well-rounded roster that has effective scorers who are within an age bracket that allows for the Lakers to compete long-term.