2. Kyle Lowry has all of the leverage in this situation
Whatever Kyle Lowry wants Kyle Lowry is going to get. Lowry has all the leverage in this situation and as we know, players in today’s NBA have far more power than any professional athlete has ever had in any point in team sports history.
If Lowry wants to be a Laker then he is going to be a Laker.
The Toronto Raptors have nothing to do but listen to Lowry. If Lowry wants to conduct a sign-and-trade and works together with Toronto then the Raptors could at least get something for Lowry rather than letting him walk for nothing.
Sure, the team could theoretically be petty and not give Lowry his wish of a sign-and-trade and simply let him sign with a team in free agency. If that was the case then the Lakers would be priced out of getting him.
But why would Toronto do that? First of all, Lowry is arguably the greatest player in franchise history and they should do him a favor. Second of all, the Raptors have no reason to care if they are making the Lakers better. They are not a rival and are not in the same conference, let alone a contender. Why would they turn down the possibility to get something instead of nothing?
And this is not the case of a team shopping a player and they can pick the best package available, which was the case at the trade deadline. Lowry can flex his leverage and say no to any other possible sign-and-trade, only agreeing to be a Laker.
If he wants to be a Laker, of course.