The Los Angeles Lakers are encountering hurdles in their pursuit of free agent Gary Trent Jr., despite keen interest in adding him to their roster alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Trent Jr., who played last season under a three-year, $51.8 million contract with the Toronto Raptors, is a prime target for the Lakers, who intend to utilize their taxpayer midlevel exception.
Known for his scoring prowess, the 25-year-old shooting guard averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game during his tenure with the Raptors.
Financial constraints pose a significant challenge for the Lakers in securing Trent Jr.’s services for the upcoming season.
Marc Stein’s Substack report highlighted the Lakers’ predicament, noting that they are currently close to the second luxury tax apron, limiting their ability to aggressively pursue Trent Jr.
The Lakers’ recent signings and contract negotiations, including James’ new deal, have contributed to their financial constraints in the current offseason.
Despite their interest, the Lakers must navigate these financial limitations to proceed with any potential offer for Trent Jr.
