NBA News: Svi Mykhailiuk Signs With Raptors

Daniel Starkand
3 Min Read
Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

As the Los Angeles Lakers look to get younger with their final available roster spots, they were linked to a potential reunion with Svi Mykhailiuk.

The Lakers originally drafted Mykhailiuk in the second round in 2018 out of Kansas and although he showed a lot of promise, they wound up trading him less than a year later.

Now, Mykhailiuk is 24 years of age and one of the best free agents left on the market. Considering cap space across the league has dried up, it was thought that the Lakers could potentially bring Mykhailiuk in on a minimum contract to secure their depth on the wing.

It appears that won’t be happening though as Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that Mykhailiuk has instead found a two-year contract with the Toronto Raptors:

The Raptors are a younger, rebuilding team that could offer Mykhailiuk both more money and opportunities for playing time, so this move makes sense.

Myhailiuk is still just 24 years of age and is coming off a season in which he averaged 8.1 points on 41.1% shooting in 66 games with the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder and should be able to build off that in Toronto.

As far as where the Lakers stand, they still have three open roster spot but reports indicate they may go into the season with 14 instead of 15 players, so they may only fill two of them this offseason.

Lakers favorites to land Rondo

It became clear this weekend who would be taking one of those spots as Rajon Rondo agreed to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and is reportedly expected to sign with the Lakers when he clears waivers.

That was announced shortly before Mykhailiuk signed with the Raptors, so perhaps the Lakers were deciding between the two players and ultimately learned they’d be able to reunite with Rondo and went that direction instead.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as the managing editor for LakersNation.com, Daniel also serves as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com