With the Los Angeles Lakers pursuing Paul George this offseason, let’s look at the potential starting five, and bench for next season if they acquire him.
D’Angelo Russell was once part of the future for this Los Angeles Lakers team but is now packing his bags and on his way to the Brooklyn Nets along with the horrendous contract of center Timofey Mozgov, who still has three years left on his four-year, $64 million contract. Lakers will also receive center Brook Lopez and the 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft in return.
Getting rid of Mozgov’s contract signals an exciting time for Lakers fans. This opens the door for a handful of opportunities this offseason as well as the summer of 2018. The main goal will be to improve this roster with proven All Star players that will help complement the young core. Lakers began this process by acquiring center Brook Lopez from the Nets who averaged 20.5 points a game along with 5.5 rebounds during the 2016 season. His contract will expire at the end of the 2017-18 season.
All indications point to the Lakers selecting UCLA guard, Lonzo Ball on Thursday night with the 2nd selection overall. He will replace Russell on the roster for next season. Ball will look to get teammates more involved than Russell did. Ball is a pass first player, while Russell always looked to score first.
Trading D'Angelo Russell essentially confirms that the Lakers are drafting Lonzo Ball.
— Moke Hamilton (@MokeHamilton) June 20, 2017
Will Paul George also soon be on his way to Los Angeles? The Lakers are actively shopping the 27th, 28th overall picks in this years draft along with Jordan Clarkson, and/or Julius Randle.
Just heard @Lakers offered @Pacers either Jordan Clarkson or Julius Randle and 27, 28 pick for Paul George.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 20, 2017
With that in mind let’s take a look at what the Lakers possible starting five will look like this coming year if they accomplish their main goal this offseason of acquiring Paul George from the Indiana Pacers.