– They have missed out on other stars
Over the past two years, the Lakers have been linked to both of the stars that were traded. First, Paul George of the Indiana Pacers reportedly wanted to play for the Lakers and wouldn’t sign an extension with Pacers.
However, the Lakers and Pacers never got a deal done, and George was instead sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite the Thunder being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, George re-signed with the Thunder this offseason.
This past summer, the Lakers were linked to Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs. Like with George, Leonard was traded, but not to the Lakers. While we don’t know what the future will hold for Leonard this offseason, he was another star that the Lakers were unable to trade for.
With Davis, the Lakers might be ready to do what it takes to get a deal done. While the Lakers do have the cap space this offseason to sign a max player, there is no guarantee that one will come, even though the Lakers have James. If the Lakers are able to trade for Davis, they would likely want some sort of under the table guarantee that he isn’t going to leave and he will sign an extension.
After missing out on George and Leonard, the Lakers might decide that it is time to pull a trigger on a blockbuster deal.