NBA Free Agents: Kyle Lowry Locked By Raptors? Toronto To Offer Big Bucks For Top Point Guard! Will He Prefer The Bright Lights Of LA?

The NBA Trade Rumors for Kyle Lowry has died, and now he is a free agent. But Toronto is ready to lock him in.

Kyle Lowry has proven himself worthy and now Toronto wants to keep him. However, he still has the lingering thought that the Raptors once tried to shop him and did not see him as their point guard for the future.

Is he really over that? From Basketball Insiders:

"Lowry both publicly and privately has said he likes the situation in Toronto and that he'd like to be back. Privately, Raptors president Masai Ujiri has told staffers that re-signing Lowry is a top priority and that the team will meet the expected asking price, said to be in the $10 to $12 million per year range."

$12 million is still reasonable for Lowry. But we must remember that there are 30 owners in the NBA (currently 29 counting out Sterling) and not all of them are "reasonable." Lowry has heavily improved from being under the radar to middle of the spotlight-and other teams have noticed:

"The problem for Toronto and for Lowry is that the Raptors won't be the only team calling.

Lowry is said to be on the LA Lakers wish list of free agents and there has been more than a few hints that Lowry could be on the HEAT radar if Miami's Big Three follows through on the expected plan to opt out and create a little cap room for the HEAT in exchange for new long-term deals."

That's heavy competition! Among the two teams mentioned, the LA Lakers are probably the bigger threat. Lowry is not old enough to think about a last minute title chase, and the 'pay cut' from the Big Three will likely not exceed 10 million in cap space. Meanwhile, the Lakers can offer a max contract, but probably not on him. But they can definitely pass 12 million.

Besides, Kyle Lowry is having the most recognition in his career. He's not about to take the backseat to the Heat's Big Three where he will likely be a third option at best. In LA, there is the prospect of inheriting the team after two seasons.

Kyle Lowry has peaked at exactly the right time. He saw the best window of opportunity and he grabbed it. He has earned this chance to call the shots for his career. Where will he go next?