It is growing more likely that the Los Angeles Lakers will look somewhat different next season.
Several of their key players are about to become free agents, and one of them — D’Angelo Russell — is starting to look like he’s on his way out. A recent Yahoo Sports article by Jake Fischer said the team is exploring sign-and-trade opportunities involving him, and of course, there is always the chance that could mean Kyrie Irving or Chris Paul would be coming to the Purple and Gold.
On Monday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet will turn down the player option on his contract to become a free agent.
ESPN Sources: In the first major domino of free agency, Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet has declined his $22.8 million player option and will become an unrestricted free agent in July. pic.twitter.com/bVrve81XgZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2023
Would VanVleet be a viable alternative target for the Lakers?