The Los Angeles Lakers are still in the hunt for the impact player they’ve been hoping to add in the offseason. This comes as no surprise considering how LA has failed to make the splash they were hoping for this summer.
One player that is reportedly on their radar is free agent Gary Trent Jr. This supposed interest, however, appears to be nothing more than a pipe dream for the Lakers at this point.
Los Angeles Lakers News: Is Gary Trent Out of Reach?
Last season with the Toronto Raptors, Trent produced averages of 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals, while also knocking down 2.5 triples per game on an efficient 39.3-percent clip. His ability to space the floor is one of the main reasons why he’s emerged as a coveted name in free agency.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, their salary cap constraints are preventing them from potentially bringing Trent to Hollywood. This report comes via NBA insider Marc Stein:
“One source close to the process cautioned this week that the Lakers, until they can move farther away from the second luxury tax apron, can’t even make a run at Trent … no matter how available he appears to be,” Stein wrote on a recent edition of his Substack. “The Lakers, remember, are only marginally distanced from the second apron after LeBron James signed a new two-year deal that was less than $3 million shy of the $104 million maximum he could have received.”
It appears that the Lakers will need to shed off more salary in order to make room for Trent on their payroll. Another path would be via a sign-and-trade deal with the Raptors, who apparently, are unwilling to meet Trent’s demand for an extension worth $25 million per season.
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