Chris Boucher of the Toronto Raptors wants to be 'somewhere where they want to win.' With the Toronto Raptors big man set to hit unrestricted free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers can be that destination.
Michael Scotto included an interview with Boucher as a part of his most recent intel drop. There are certainly statements made by the veteran big man in that interview which can lead Rob Pelinka to comfortably believing a union between the two sides is possible.
"I’m at the point where I can be on a team to help them win, play meaningful minutes, have a consistent role, and not hoping or not knowing what’s coming next," Boucher told Scotto. "I’ve always been one of the best guys off the bench, ... one of the guys who can be counted on."
Jovan Buha was someone who floated Boucher as a potential buyout target after this past NBA trade deadline. The Raptors decided to keep him for the full extent of the 2024-25 season. Perhaps this offseason will be the time for the Lakers to finally bring in the Canadian center.
Boucher addition would appeal to several desirable areas for Lakers
It was odd to see the Raptors hold onto Boucher after the deadline considering the youth movement that took place in Toronto. The veteran big man was held out of games from Feb. 28 onwards.
Even with an inconsistent role for the Raptors, Boucher still managed to average 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.5 blocks. and 0.5 steals per game for Toronto in 50 appearances off the bench. The former NBA champion shot 49.2 percent from the field and 36.3 from beyond the arc.
Something that was brought up by Scotto in his write-up was how good the per-36 numbers looked for Boucher. That is absolutely the truth.
Boucher averaged 21.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block per game when adjusting his numbers for those metrics. If a stable role is desired over a big pay day in free agency, the Lakers can certainly be a suitor for the eight-year NBA pro on a veteran minimum.
Boucher would give the Lakers an strong floor-spacing option in the frontcourt. The lanky big tied his career high for 3-pointers attempted in 2024-25, shooting the second-highest percentage of his time in the NBA.
Boucher's athleticism would be a gift for the Lakers as well. Despite his slender frame limiting his ability to bang in the post with larger centers, the Raptors big man has always been a solid shot blocker throughout his career.
There should be enough fuel in the tank as well for Boucher to provide a solid outlet option for Luka Doncic in pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop scenarios. Relying on a productive15-20 minutes per night from the mobile big man should be a safe bet for a Lakers team crying out for reinforcements.