Andrew Bynum and Chris Bosh (R).

BY WEB STAFF
sportsnet.ca

A report in Sunday’s New York Post suggests the Los Angeles Lakers would like to acquire Raptors forward Chris Bosh and will offer centre Andrew Bynum in return.

According to the newspaper, the Lakers will make the offer well before the Feb. 18 NBA trade deadline, if it hasn’t done so already.

Bosh’s future in Toronto is uncertain as he can opt out of the final year ($17.1 million) of his contract this summer and declare free agency.

The 22-year-old Bynum is averaging 15.2 points and 8.1 rebounds this season. He has three years left on his contract after this one.

When asked to comment on the possibility of a Bosh-for-Bynum swap, Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo responded to the Post in an e-mail.

"For the record, I am not actively seeking a deal or discussing Bosh with any team, much less the Lakers," said Colangelo.

"I haven’t traded him yet and our position has been the same. We will not make a deal just to make a deal. Our intention is to keep him here long term.

"Additionally, I have not yet offered an extension as Dwyane Wade and LeBron James both received (from their respective teams). So technically he has not said no.

"I honestly don’t think C.B. knows what the future holds, or what he wants to do, so I would say we’re still in the game as far as his pending free agency."

The Raptors are 8-2 in their past 10 games and host the Boston Celtics Sunday at the Air Canada Centre.