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Los Angeles Lakers: Grading free agency thus far and potential moves

By Anthony Abruzzo

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 26: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers helps introduce 2018 NBA draft pick Moritz Wagner during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 26: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers helps introduce 2018 NBA draft pick Moritz Wagner during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Missed free agent opportunities

Although the Lakers have landed the King, the Lakers could have landed a couple of stars on this team as well. The big one that almost everyone thought the Lakers would land is Paul George. Throughout this past season, everyone thought the Lakers would have PG in the bag and could potentially team up with James.

PG instead opted to re-sign with the Thunder and didn’t even give the Lakers a chance to convince him otherwise.

Was this part of the plan for something bigger down the line? Possibly, but George is one of the best two-way players in the game and would have fit great next to James.

Another player that the Lakers missed on was DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins, when healthy, is one of the best big men in the NBA.

The fact that he was able to get signed for only the mid-level exception and the Lakers didn’t get him is wild to think especially to the team that he went to, the Warriors.

The Lakers felt that they needed him for the beginning of the season and felt that they could not wait until he fully recovers from his torn Achilles injury in January.

Cousins would’ve been a perfect fit for the Lakers as he can create his own offense, rebound and brings another level of toughness that the Lakers are looking for.

George is one thing, but if they had a chance to add Cousins to this team for only the mid-level and decide to pass him up, that’s a tough pill to swallow for Laker fans.

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