LA Lakers Trade Rumors: Former NBA champion could join Purple & Gold before trade deadline

Trade rumors involving the the LA Lakers are starting to make the rounds across the NBA. As the trade deadline inches closer, one name has been speculated as a potential target for the Lakers.

Basketball fans are waiting to see if the LA Lakers have a big trade up their sleeve. There's no denying that the organization needs to make some moves in order to upgrade their roster.

After a slow start to the season, the Lakers have shown some signs of life. Much of that has been due to the impressive play of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The two superstars have been sensational when healthy. With Davis nearing a return to the court, the Lakers find themselves in a position to make a push in the Western Conference.

The Lakers have gotten the most out of Russell Westbrook, who has thrived in his role off the bench. If the Lakers can find a couple of pieces on the trade market, their chances at making the playoffs will drastically increase.

One name that has been mentioned as a trade target for the Lakers is Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet. The Raptors could potentially be sellers at the trade deadline. That means they will look to move a veteran piece like VanVleet.

Bleacher Report's Dan Favale suggests that the Lakers will look to acquire the 2019 NBA champion in a potential trade. To make the salaries work, Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn will likely be the pieces heading back to Toronto.

"The Lakers may not want to mortgage so much of their future with Anthony Davis injured. But Peak Fred VanVleet keeps Los Angeles' playoff hopes alive without him. And a full-strength Lakers team becomes exponentially more lethal with FVV alongside A.D. and LeBron James. Different permutations of this scenario abound."

"The Lakers can send out the expirings of Kendrick Nunn and Patrick Beverley to make the math work. They can also expand the deal to include swaps in 2026 and 2028. See whether that gets the Raptors to send out Gary Trent Jr. while taking on the final few months of Russell Westbrook's deal."

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Fred VanVleet mentioned as potential candidate for LA Lakers trade

Fred VanVleet has been rumored for a potential LA Lakers trade

There's no denying that Fred VanVleet would be a huge addition to the Lakers. But it won't be easy for the Lakers to pry VanVleet away from the Raptors. There will be a competitive market for the 2022 All-Star.

VanVleet is one of the most underrated combo guards in the league. He has struggled this season but is still putting up solid numbers. VanVleet is averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He's also shooting 37.6% from the field and 32.8% from 3-point range.

The 28-year-old guard has a player option for the 2023-24 campaign. If he opts in, he will earn $22.8 million next season. Any potential LA Lakers trade for VanVleet will most likely include future draft compensation. That could make things difficult for the Lakers. They have a limited number of future draft picks at their disposal.