Los Angeles Lakers: Pros and cons of keeping or signing 14 players

‘External’ Free Agents – four prospective star free agents from other teams

• Paul George– despite all the rumors, it is uncertain whether he’ll leave OKC

Pros: Lakers fans have been talking about him for quite some time. PG is one of the league’s best two-way players and was just named to the All-NBA third team. He should be able to immediately slide into a wing slot alongside Ingram and at the very least contribute defensively and with his 3-point shooting. He can thrive as part of a balanced offense.

Cons: He is overrated and isn’t a true superstar. His offense is too inconsistent for a team to count on him as its No. 1 option. He is not worth a max contract.

• LeBron James– he has a player option to stay in Cleveland

Pros: He is completing an incredible season, one of the best-ever for a 33-year-old player. Aside from the individual stats he will produce he would teach the young core what it takes to win, and how to handle big games.

Cons: His age is a reason not to sign him because Father Time will catch him and slow him down, sooner rather than later. He would fit best on a team that’s on the verge of a title and that features a half-court offense. The Lakers fit neither criteria. They are 2-3 years away from contending, even with James, and favor a fast-paced offense, for which James is not suitable. He also demands control of the ball, which would hinder the development of both Ball and Ingram. Also, LBJ’s gigantic ego could ruin the terrific chemistry developed by the Lakers core and could also lead to clashes with coaches and management.

• DeMarcus Cousins

Pros: He was one of the best bigs in the game before he was injured and would give the Lakers an immediate All-Star. Because of that injury, he might sign for less money than he would have otherwise demanded.

Cons: It is difficult to return from a torn Achilles. He may never again be the player he once was. Any team signing him would be taking a big gamble. Boogie has also feuded in the past with coaches, opponents, and even teammates. So the Lakers would be wise to pass on a player with these red flags.

• Kawhi Leonard– he won’t be a free agent until the summer of 2019, assuming he doesn’t sign an extension with San Antonio. If (and that’s a mighty big IF) Leonard truly wants to change teams, and the Spurs look to trade him, it would take a talented package of players (and likely draft picks) to acquire Leonard. He was regarded as the best two-way player in the league before he missed most of this past season due to injury.

Pros: Leonard is so good that the Lakers should offer the Spurs virtually any package of players for him. No player should be untouchable. He will give the team instant success and will attract other free agents.

Cons: First, the Lakers have to be certain that Kawhi will completely recover from his injury and will be 100 percent ready to play at the highest level. Second, they’d need a commitment that he will sign an extension with the team. Even then, they shouldn’t give up more than one of their young core in a trade. But if he truly wants to be a Laker, he will sign with them next summer, and that way they keep their promising young guns intact. There is no guarantee that he will attract other stars. Even if he did, how well their talents would mesh is always a crapshoot.