4. The Raptors are left with a tough decision
Eastern Conference teams have been asking themselves if they should rebuild or continue to lose to LeBron in playoffs since he’s entered the league.
The list of teams that LeBron have dismantled is quite extensive. It includes mid 2000’s teams like the Pistons and Wizards; the late 2000’s and early 10’s Celtics; and the 10’s Nets, Hawks, and Bulls just to name a few. Soon that list might include the most recent versions of the Pacers and Raptors.
Toronto has a good core behind DeRozan and Lowry. But with Lowry’s ability to opt out in the summer, they may be forced to decide if they want to keep that core together, or try for a rebuild.
Lowry has hinted that the gap closing between them and LeBron isn’t happening anytime soon.
Kyle Lowry: "They've got LeBron James and nobody's closing the gap on him." Column on the East's futile chase. https://t.co/9uJVAdTvEg
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 6, 2017
It’s being speculated that he might try his hand in the Western Conference which may be more open even if the Warriors have a firm grasp on the conference now.
Raptors' DeMar DeRozan: "It's hard to break down a team that won 50+ games two years in a row. ... We have to be ready for whatever." pic.twitter.com/St2CbzbPYw
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 7, 2017
DeRozan tried to remain upbeat about the prospects of getting past LeBron, but at the end of the day there really might not be any other choice.
The Raptors have an interesting summer ahead of them regardless of what they decide to do.