Having won 10 of its last 12 games, the Los Angeles Lakers are in exceptional form lately. The team has picked up the momentum at the right time, and with the inclusion of Luka Doncic on the side, the Lakers' prospects have only gotten better. Despite causing a ruckus during the trade window, the Lakers have continued to seek further solidarity in the squad. In the process, they have yet another target under their radar.
Lakers To Target Former New York Knicks Star
As per the report of Jake Fischer of the Stein Line, the Lakers are after the former New York Knicks star RJ Barrett. As per the report, Barrett's future with the Toronto Raptors is uncertain. "Pinpointing Barrett's standing is trickier," Fischer wrote. "The Canadian has two more seasons left on his current contract after this one at $27.7 million in 2025-26 and then $29.6 million in 2026-27." Fischer also noted that the Raptors' focus on developing young talents like Gradey Dick and Ja'Kobe Walter could make RJ Barrett a trade candidate this summer.
Barrett, who was drafted third overall by the Knicks in 2019, stayed four-a-half seasons in New York before taking his talents to Toronto in January 2024. While he emerged as a dependable secondary scorer for the Knicks, his miserable rate of shooting three-pointers and dull playoff performances led to his eventual departure. Since joining the Raptors, Barrett has showcased flashes of brilliance, averaging 21.8 points per game on 55.3% shooting from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc in 32 games last season.
Thus, while Barrett will come as a hefty substitute, but does Lakers really need him in the squad is the question. However, if they want him, they will get him.