Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: If LeBron James hits free agency, he would reportedly love to team with Russell Westbrook.
Los Angeles Lakers rumors have once again popped up for potential plans next offseason. When the tampering charges were brought against the Lakers, their plans for future free agency could have drastically change.
They could have been barred from acquiring Paul George had they been found of more wrong doing. However, the NBA investigation didn’t find that any sort of deal was struck between the Lakers and George.
George is one of the players the Lakers are expected to pursue next offseason in free agency. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have been operating with the 2018 free agent class in mind. Johnson has expressed optimism about free agency next offseason. Pelinka has gone as far as to call the cap space sacred.
It is clear the Lakers believe the 2018 free agency period carries a lot of significance. Rookie point guard Lonzo Ball and second-year small forward Brandon Ingram give the organization a lot of hope. They could also be selling points in free agency when the Lakers go big fish hunting.
Los Angeles Lakers
The biggest fish that will be available is LeBron James. James has a no-trade clause and will more than likely be with the Cleveland Cavaliers next season. However, many people believe it will be his last with the Cavaliers.
Executives around the league believe that James will leave the Cavaliers in 2018. That followed up reports saying that James is a lock to leave Cleveland. The executives took it a step further, saying that James will land with the Lakers in free agency.
That would be quite an acquisition for the Lakers in free agency. James would instantly legitimize the organization, making it an attractive landing spot for other free agents. There is a chance that the Lakers could add another max player in free agency.
It would take some maneuvering, but the Lakers are confident they could get it done. Jordan Clarkson is someone that has been mentioned in trade rumors this offseason, and the Lakers would love to move Luol Deng‘s contract.
If that does happen, the Lakers will have plenty of options to potentially choose from next offseason to theoretically pair with James. One possibility is reigning MVP, Russell Westbrook.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Westbrook is someone that James ‘would love’ to play alongside.
"Westbrook’s availability may be the most fleeting.Whispers around the NBA suggest James would love to team up with the explosive guard.How would teams defend two triple-double powerhouses like James and Westbrook?On most nights, they don’t…"
The combination of James and Westbrook would be a difficult one for opponents to contend with. It is something that Lakers fans will more than likely only see in a video game such as NBA 2K18, as it is believed Westbrook will ultimately re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The signing of Westbrook could also be a peculiar fit. Ball was just selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Would the Lakers really want to throw in the towel on another young point guard after just trading away D’Angelo Russell?
There will be plenty of other options in free agency for the Lakers. If they put their focus on James, they could pair him with George as the Cavaliers were hoping to do. The Lakers could also get into the market for a big man. DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan could both be available as free agents also.
Next: 10 Greatest Free Agent Signings In Lakers History
There is still a lot of time until then. A lot can happen between now and next year’s free agency. What we do know, however, is that the Lakers plan on being big players in free agency with their eyes on multiple max free agents.