Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson is optimistic about summer of 2018
By Nick Ziegler
The Los Angeles Lakers made a big trade this offseason that has helped create cap space. Does Magic Johnson believe he will be able to sign a star next year?
This offseason, one of the main goals for the Los Angeles Lakers was to get rid of some of the bad contracts from the previous regime.
Last offseason, the Lakers handed out big contracts to Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov. Both players underperformed last season. With Magic Johnson taking over as the team President, he clearly wanted to fix some of these mistakes.
Just a few days before the draft, the Lakers were able to trade Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets with D’Angelo Russell in exchange for Brook Lopez and the 27th overall pick in the NBA Draft. This move was surrounding by differing opinions, but one thing for sure, they created a lot more cap space for next summer.
While Brook Lopez is a player that can help the Lakers next season, his contract is also up after the end of next season. Unlike if they had Mozgov, the Lakers will now have more money to spend in free agency. According to Magic Johnson, the Lakers will be able to be big players in free agency in 2018.
"“When you have this much cap space, we’re going to be major players next summer. The tide has turned. People want to play here again. It’s exciting times for the L.A. Lakers. I wouldn’t have made that move if I didn’t think I could use that money. Enough said.”"
Prior to Johnson taking over, the Lakers were having problems getting big free agents. Now that Johnson is in charge, he doesn’t believe that will be an issue.
"“Look at my face,” Johnson said to Baxter Holmes of ESPN, smiling. “Do you see that smile? Do you see it? OK, then. I’ve always bet on myself, right? I’m fine where we are. I’m happy. I’m excited. Lakers fans should be excited. We’re back.”"
While some might be upset that Russell is gone, it could result in the Lakers landing a star in 2018. It was certainly a difficult decision to move Russell, however, the Lakers had to get rid of the awful contract of Mozgov.
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Now, the pressure will be on for Magic to land some stars in free agency. With a good young core and the city of Los Angeles as selling points, Magic should be able to recruit a star or two.