Bronny James Decision Clouds Lakers’ Judgement as Damian Lillard Clinches Gary Trent Jr. Race in Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves with yet another shortcoming added to their growing list of fumbles this offseason. It started with their failure to land Dan Hurley of UConn as the head coach. Despite being the lead candidate and their ultimate goal, LA’s financial constraints (as it was reported) led to Purple & Gold making a disappointing offer to a coach who was aiming for a three-peat with the Huskies! Of course, many of you will point out that everything started with Rob Pelinka. However, looking at this year, another prominent reason many have put forward for the inability to land a free agent was Bronny James. And his roster spot.

The latest blip is the loss of the best sharpshooter available in free agency. We are talking of none other than Gary Trent Jr. With the Toronto Raptors looking for something of a reconstruction, it was a given that Trent’s time was ending. As such, quite a few teams had their eyes on the 25-year-old. And the Lakers were one of them. Given their glaring shooting troubles, his presence could have benefitted them greatly.

However, the Bucks ended up as the winners. And at a bargain, too! Despite multiple smaller mid-year offers on the table, Gary decided to rejoin Damian Lillard in Milwaukee. The pair had played together in Portland, where Trent played from 2018 to 2021 on a two-way. And it was exactly the lack of this two-way that brought the roof down on Los Angeles, it seems! To put it into perspective, take a look at what Lakers insider for Lakers Daily, Anthony F. Irwin, has to say.

“So because Rob can’t even manage to open roster spots, the Lakers essentially gave Bronny (who should probably be on a two-way) the roster spot that should’ve gone to Gary Trent Jr. That’s some insane mismanagement on the margins.”

A team can only sign up to two two-way contracts. And the Lakers already chose theirs – two forwards, France’s Armel Traore and Florida native Blake Hinson. And the two open roster spots went to Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Knecht, a five-year senior, was naturally drafted to be a regular. They were looking for an NBA-ready draftee to start with. As for Bronny, well, in all likelihood, he should have been on a two-way contract. But much has already been covered on that topic.

So how did Lillard and his Bucks side benefit from the Gary Trent Jr. steal deal?

The Bucks and Damian Lillard get a juicy deal with Gary Trent Jr.

Despite all signs pointing to the Raptors and Trent breaking up, there was a brief window where Toronto was open to retaining the 2017 McDonald’s All-American. According to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, they offered Trent a $15 million/year deal. However, it wasn’t enough for Gary’s agents, as they hoped to get a higher amount from his $18.6 million player option last year, leaving Toronto helpless.

Represented by Klutch Sports, it would have been considered another factor for many to believe he would join LeBron James and the Lakers. Of course, they also offered a lower price. But, given the situation, the former Duke product decided to go with a team he believed would get him a ring. And that was with Lillard and the Bucks. He is joining them on a one-year $2.6 million minimum contract.

Trent is coming off another solid shooting season with the Raptors. The Columbus native averaged 13.7 points on 43% shooting while draining 39% from downtown. His 41.3% on catch-and-shoot threes last season only further serves to highlight Gary’s efficiency in an off-ball role. With the arrival of Gary Trent Jr., Milwaukee effectively sealed the void left behind by Malik Beasley.

If this is not the sweetest deal of this offseason, then which is? Thoughts?