The trade winds have not brought anything productive to the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason since they haven’t landed anyone apart from their star LeBron James in the free agency. The front office and Rob Pelinka tried their best to land ambitious targets like James Harden, Klay Thompson, and DeMar DeRozan. However, neither of them could land a deal with the Lakers staff due to the financial crisis. The Lakers GM got saved by a hair margin with James’ contract as he took a $3 million pay cut to keep the team $45,000 below the second apron. Notably, LeBron has signed a two-year $101.3 million contract with the purple and gold jerseys.

After so many efforts of pay, the next player on the watch of the Lakers is the Toronto Raptors shooting guard Gary Trent Jr, as per the Athletic. The 25-year-old has got a decent average of 38.6% 3-point shooting over his career. However, he is not voluminous enough, as he has only averaged 14.3 points throughout his career. Still, it is much better than nothing to create floor space for LeBron James and Co. on the court. But it seems this dream of Rob Pelinka and management might be in vain since GTJ chose a $18.6 million player option at the Raptors last year.

As per Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, Gary Trent signing for a full non-taxpayer mid-level exception worth a starting salary of $12.5 million is in “real doubt.” Since the Raptors have not made the move yet, the Lakers are also not in the position to land him. Apparently, they are under the first apron restriction binding them from using more than the taxpayer MLE, with an approximate worth of $5.2 million. It all depends on how low GTJ will snoop down to sign with the Lakers. Still, it is a probability with rare chances.

How can Gary Trent Jr. be an asset to LeBron James and Co. if recruited?

Even if Gary Trent Jr. takes a significant cut to get his part at the Lakers, it’s worth noting that a big change is still a far-fetched dream. His career three-pointers average between 2.5 to 6.5. However, his points per game scoring has lost its touch over the span of the last three years. He averaged 18.3, 17.4, and 13.7 points per game in each season from 2021 to 2024, successively. His defensive end has also dropped to 1.1 steals per contest in 2023-23 in comparison to 1.7 steals in 2021-22.

Overall, it is not that much of a big deal, but something is better than nothing. Moreover, the Lakers and LeBron need these small pieces to form their bench strength. The third-star strategy is out of sight for now after DeMar DeRozan’s departure to the Sacramento Kings. All that Rob Pelinka and his squad have left is to make the best out of small pieces.

In the end, it’s all about those small plays giving birth to team play. If the Lakers and LeBron James want to play with pride, then they have to unite as a team. Can they land Gary Trent Jr. going with their current strategy? Let us know your thoughts.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.