Topic of Debate: Whether or not the Lakers should attempt to make a trade for Kyle Lowry.
Context: The point guard position for the Lakers is currently a mess. Steve Nash is still battling his nagging injuries in his body, Jordan Farmar is in the midst of a four week recovery schedule after injuring his hamstring, and yesterday we learned that Steve Blake is going to miss at least six weeks after suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
The roster currently does not have an active point guard, and have resorted to starting Kobe Bryant at the position.
D’Antoni also made it known that Xavier Henry and Jodie Meeks are going to split backup point point guard minutes, which may not be the most effective strategy as the Lakers enter stretch where they will play four games in five nights.
Reports have suggested that the Toronto Raptors have been active on the trade market, and are looking to trade their starting point guard Kyle Lowry. Lowry is an experienced guard, and certainly could have some value if the Lakers completed a successful trade. Should the Lakers pursue him though? That’s the question to answer.
Verdict: We took this poll question to Twitter to get the fans take on the idea and where they stood on if the Lakers should trade for Lowry.
I presented the poll question:
Should the Lakers explore a trade with the Raptors for Kyle Lowry? #LakersDebate
— Ry (@JustRyCole) December 12, 2013
Here are some responses:
@LakersNation @JustRyCole they should get him, he’s good. can score and assist as well, great PG
— Jurica Antolčić (@JSAntolcic) December 12, 2013
@LakersNation @JustRyCole yes we need a dynamic playmaking point guard
— El Enchufe ⛽️ (@GuWop_5) December 12, 2013
@LakersNation @JustRyCole for Kaman and Blake but Masai would want Hill instead of Kaman
— Swagtimus Prime (@SupaVol) December 12, 2013
@LakersNation@JustRyCole Only if the Raptors take Nash’s contract which is actually a possibility seeing as they are blatantly bombing.
— Jonathan Kiernan (@KiernanJonathan) December 12, 2013
The over-whelming majority of Lakers fans on Twitter came to the general consensus that the Lakers need to do whatever they can to try and get Lowry in a Lakers uniform. It seems that the Raptors are very persistent, as some believe that they are attempting to “tank” for the security of a top-5 draft pick.
The Lakers have pieces that can certainly fit the bill for what the Raptors might be looking for. In the most recent rumors it was indicated that the New York Knicks were offering Raymond Felton, Metta World Peace, and a 2018 pick. But complications in that negotiating process have placed that deal temporarily on hold. The Lakers might have the pieces on their roster that can trump an offer such as that.
A deal centering around Steve Nash may interest the Raptors. We know that the Raptors were targeting Nash in the 2012 off-season, so I think the Lakers should try to see if they can put together a deal with Nash and another piece (Jordan Hill or Chris Kaman). This may be the most effective way to finally get a quality starting point guard on a Lakers roster.
One would think that a Nash deal would allow the Raptors to cater to the fans by bringing back the hometown legend. However it also would allow them to tank, which is what they seemingly are trying to accomplish.
Will the Lakers enter the sweepstakes? Who knows?
Should they? What do you think?
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