Los Angeles Lakers: The Ultimate Guide to the 2018 Offseason

Continual Growth with Identical 2018 Roster

Few pieces of the current roster are cemented into Magic Johnson’s plans for this team. In fact, most of the market, as mentioned, are ex-Lakers or have been previously associated with said Lakers. It will not cost as much, but again, many of the team is out of the team picture.

Isaiah Thomas rehabbed for much of the season and will only return on a one-year, prove-it deal, and too little to no avail with Ball growing as an offensive star. Both Lopez and Ennis do not fit with the Lakers plans at any point next year. Channing Frye is an aging veteran better suited for a championship roster such as Houston or Golden State. Perhaps Isaiah Thomas could suit up again with the Lakers on a one-year “prove it” deal.

The only two players that to me are intriguing are Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Julius Randle. However, even Caldwell-Pope raises questions with Josh Hart emerging as a viable high-end role player. I did mention earlier that he improved on many facets of his game. But the Lakers drafted Hart, who coincidentally does almost exactly the same as KCP.

Opinions on this topic differentiate between the fans, the media, and league executives differ on many aspects. Assuming the Lakers young core improves, this same squadron could win at least five more games next year. In a battle-hardened Western Conference, can you expect them to make the playoffs, however?