The Los Angeles Lakers remade their roster this offseason. The biggest move that they made was signing free agent LeBron James to a four-year, $154 million deal. That signing legitimizes the Lakers rebuild and puts them on the path to being a contender.
While Los Angeles is on the right track, there is still some work to be done. While they will be improved, the Lakers are still a few moves away from truly becoming contenders.
Right now, they are probably in the tier below the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets in the Western Conference. There is an argument that could be made for the Oklahoma City Thunder also being above the Lakers.
While the current roster may be a step or two below other teams in the Western Conference, things could change very quickly. For example, a trade being made could push the Lakers to contender status.
In the past two offseasons, the Lakers have been heavily involved in trade rumors. Last summer it was Paul George at the center of the rumors. This offseason, it was Kawhi Leonard.
Both of those players would have improved the Lakers title chances for this season. However, both ended up on different teams. George re-signed with the Thunder after being traded there last year. Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors this offseason.
If the front office feels that a change is needed during the season, a trade could be in the cards. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have not been afraid to wheel and deal since taking over team operations.
If that happens again, someone will have to be on the move out of Los Angeles. These four players could be on the move during the 2018-19 season if the Lakers make a deal.