Los Angeles Lakers: A Star Would Be Nice, But At What Price?
The Los Angeles Lakers are linked to many rumors about the possibility of adding a proven star to their roster. However, how much should L.A. give up if they traded for a mega talent?
A myriad of rumors has circulated around the Los Angeles Lakers and throughout the NBA in the past set of hours. One of the higher tier rumors amidst the fold involves the Lakers and Indiana Pacers star, Paul George.
Perhaps more than ever so far this offseason, the Lakers look poised to add a superstar type talent. Doing so would immediately make the purple-and-gold relevant once again. After Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical imparted that George plans to not resign with Indiana, the small forward’s name rapidly linked itself with Hollywood.
Considering the fact that the Lakers have been stuck in one heck of a rut, such news is refreshing. While nothing is guaranteed as of now, it may be crucial for the Lakers to try to add George as soon as possible. For Indiana’s sake as well, it would be a wise move on both sides.
The Lakers would become a landmark destination again. In conjunction with this, the Pacers would at least get something in return in lieu of nothing whatsoever if they waited. Moreover, executing this move would prevent the Eastern Conference from becoming even more top-heavy. ESPN staff writer Dave McMenamin suggests that the Cavaliers have been in the fold for George’s services.
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Provided that Cleveland is a championship caliber team, acquiring George would make them even scarier to deal with. Furthermore, the Lakers missing out would look extremely bad because they have missed out on several key opportunities over the last few years.
SB Nation writer Tom Ziller also thinks that the rival Boston Celtics may be gearing up for a mega transaction themselves. This simply cannot happen and not another word needs to be said in that neck of the woods.
The time may thus be now or never for the Lakers. The thought of George being on an already stacked squad such as Cleveland is spine-tingling. Los Angeles does not possess a ton of proven talent at this point, either, needless to say. Just about everyone on their active roster is difficult to truly analyze.
Paul George has made it known that Los Angeles is the desired landing spot. Granted George would not cure all the Lakers’ blues, Tom Ziller had the following to say if L.A. pounces on the chance at hand.
"But narratives matter when you’re selling a fan base and other players on the state of a franchise. Magic would purchase an immense amount of goodwill on both accounts if he landed George, provided the price isn’t too steep."
The L.A. fan base is one that is known for its high-octane expectations. On the grounds that the Lakers have clinched 16 world titles, those views will never shift. Likewise, getting a star would indeed alter the current outlook of the organization.
Over the last collection of years, the Lakers have failed to lure in any of the NBA’s marquee names. Having an All-Star immediately makes them credible and would cause other players to want to wear the purple-and-gold.
At the same time, Magic Johnson and company should exercise caution as time progresses. Indiana will demand quite an enticing package if George were to leave this summer.
Given that truth, it could be smart for the Lakers to wait. The Cleveland buzz is nothing more than speculation although it remains tricky since Cleveland has been to the NBA Finals three times in a row.
The Lakers would be able to keep their core together in that case. In tune with this, the team’s brass would be able to see them develop a little bit more to see who fits and who does not.
It is impossible to predict what the next set of days has in store. Drama constantly comes in bunches around this time of the year. All that is understood about the Lakers is that this summer will be huge for them. The darkness is slowly going away it seems, but how much of it goes away is something that only time will tell.
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Grabbing an All-Star like Paul George would give the Los Angeles Lakers that glitzy, gorgeous look again. But will trading away a potential future asset(s) be in their best interest? Please let us know in the comments below what you all think.