After Carmelo, What is Lakers’ Plan B?
By Jacob Rude
Max Contract Free Agents
There are only three names in free agency that will get a max deal: James, Anthony, and Bosh. All three are linked, with James decision directly influencing the other two. In a sense, the Lakers don’t have much of a shot at them.
Their best bet lies in the off chance James returns to Cleveland, Melo bolts for New York, and Bosh hits the open market. The strong leaders right now are Houston, who can offer a roster that will instantly contend for a title with his inclusion and is his hometown.
The only thing the Lakers can offer Bosh that Houston can’t is a bigger market with more potential to grow as a brand. But considering Bosh’s quiet nature, it’s unlikely this will be much of an appeal to him.
James’ agent listened to the Lakers pitch from Mitch Kupchak, but it’s unlikely he comes to L.A. Management is holding out the belief that signing Melo could persuade James to join, but that’s nothing more than a tiny pipe dream.
Likely signings:None