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Los Angeles Lakers: Channing Frye believes superstars would play for LA

By Kenneth Teape

EL SEGUNDO, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Channing Frye #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media during all access practice on February 12, 2018 at UCLA Heath Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Channing Frye #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media during all access practice on February 12, 2018 at UCLA Heath Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Impending free agent Channing Frye believes the Los Angeles Lakers are a place that superstars will want to play in the future.

The Los Angeles Lakers finished the 2017-18 regular season with a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite finishing under .500 for the fifth consecutive season, and missing the playoffs again, there were some positives to take away from the season.

The Lakers took a step forward, improving by nine wins. Their defense was much improved, something head coach Luke Walton was very proud of. If things go according to plan this offseason, the Lakers will take yet another step forward.

Lakers management, led by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka, have big plans for this offseason. Los Angeles will be going big game hunting, hoping to land not only one, but two max free agents. Paul George, LeBron James and DeMarcus Cousins are the players most often linked to the Lakers.

Los Angeles has a nice young core in place. Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart look like great rotation players. Julius Randle also showed this season, if re-signed, that he can get the job done in multiple roles.

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Having young players in place is imperative to sustaining success in the NBA. With the salary cap in place, it is difficult to make quick fixes in free agency. Free agency should be used to augment the team, not build a roster.

With the young pieces in place, Los Angeles is hoping to take that next step by adding experienced, talent veterans to the mix. Young players help, but ultimately, winning is what will attract free agents to your team. Unfortunately for the Lakers, that hasn’t happened often in recent seasons.

The 35 wins this season were the most since 2012-13 when the Lakers last made the playoffs and won 45 games. Despite missing the playoffs again, the Lakers look to be on the right path to relevancy. One player who believes the Lakers can accomplish their goal of landing max contract stars is Channing Frye.

The Lakers acquired Frye, along with Isaiah Thomas, prior to the trade deadline from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. The Lakers also netted the Cavaliers’ first round pick in 2018.

Frye and Thomas are both set to hit free agency this summer. The salary flexibility that the Lakers sought was gained in this deal. Frye believes that the Lakers have a good chance to land the superstars they covet with that cap space.

"“I’m going to say this, I think any superstar would like to play for Luke. I think he’s a players’ coach. I think when you talk about the continuity with the president, owner, GM, a lot of guys are looking for that.“I think you’re looking for a culture, I think you’re looking for a guy who’s intense and wants to win now. I think his system is open for learning and growth.”"

The Lakers may have to add Frye to their recruitment team this summer. That is a glowing endorsement for the organization, one he only spent a few weeks with and played nine games for. Frye has already stated that he would help recruiting if Los Angeles is where he will be playing in the future.

Next: 10 Greatest Free Agent Signings In Lakers History

If possible, the Lakers need to take Frye up on his offer. Frye has already proven to be a solid piece of a championship contending team, and if he can provide assistance in bringing in more talent, keeping him around is a no brainer.

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