– Proved Magic and Pelinka can get a star
One of the reasons to love the signing of LeBron James for the Lakers is that this front office can accomplish goals that they set. Since taking over the front office, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have focused on building their young core and getting cap space.
Starting with the big trade of D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, the Lakers were able to begin ridding themselves of some of the bad contracts that they inherited. Also in that trade, the Lakers were able to replace a talented young player in Russell with Kyle Kuzma. In his rookie season, Kuzma proved to be one of the best players in his class, and that trade looks like a win for the Lakers.
Prior to the NBA Trade Deadline, the Lakers were able to free up more space by sending Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson to the Cleveland Cavaliers. While having cap space is great, the Lakers have seen that it doesn’t always result in you getting a star player. However, with Magic and Pelinka in charge, the Lakers were able to accomplish just that by signing James. Magic said he was going to bring stars back to Los Angeles, and he certainly kept his word.