Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the top 5 free agents in 2018 and 2019

2. LeBron James (SF/PG, Cleveland Cavaliers, 2018 UFA)

What better way to kick off the 2018 free agent class than to mentioning the King himself?

Not many Lakers fans are in appreciation of LeBron James. After all, he does present a glaring case of making himself the greatest player of his generation. This is a huge knock on the success of Kobe Bryant. But who would care if he plays in a purple and gold uniform?

Even though I myself am a Lakers fan, I do not hate LeBron James. He should be respected, for his work on the court and off as well. Many of you who are Lakers diehards might disagree, but I personally believe LeBron James would help in every aspect of Los Angeles.

For one, we are still waiting for a drop-off in his efficiency and statistical output. I remember a debate with my basketball team on when LeBron James would suddenly lose his way in the league. A number was placed out: 33. Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be.

James is averaging a near 27 points per outing, 8.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists for his “box score stats.” Besides a January where he had to deal with Isaiah Thomas coming back from a hip injury as well as locker room scares, LeBron James instantly makes every team an instant title contender. The question is, if and only if he decides to join Los Angeles, who will he bring along for the journey?