Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson’s summer goal is to sign an elite free agent

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to give superstar LeBron James a serviceable sidekick this summer.

The Los Angeles Lakers intend to swing for the fences this upcoming summer. Akin to last summer when they signed the biggest fish in the free agent pond, LeBron James, the Lakers’ hope is to get another All-Star talent to team up with James.

In all sincerity, it comes as no surprise. Los Angeles did not win the heart of Paul George last year, and the San Antonio Spurs’ asking price for Kawhi Leonard proved to be too great.

Needless to say, the Lakers’ luck in recent memory has likewise been a bit paltry. Certainly, though, their efforts were the furthest thing from mediocre.

Earlier this month, the Lakers were desperately trying to acquire New Orleans Pelicans center Anthony Davis. The word desperately is probably not even an adequate way of putting it.

The Lakers made several generous offers to New Orleans, upping the ante each time in the negotiation process. However, the Pelicans’ front office never seemed too interested in making something happen. Rather, they seemed keen on playing around with the Lakers in order to disrupt team chemistry.

Team president Magic Johnson addressed these same trade talks recently, and was not happy about how they went. Magic’s thoughts on the matter are certainly logical because it seemed like L.A. was doing all the heavy lifting.

Nevertheless, Johnson is willing to trot onward from the failed attempt to acquire Davis. Via Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Johnson still has high hopes for the Lakers. The Lakers’ legend remains committed to building a title contender.

"“That’s not going to change our plans this summer,” Johnson said. “It’s a great [free-agency] class, and we just want to get one of them.”"

Indeed, this summer’s free agent class has the potential to be more stacked than a plate of hotcakes at IHOP. Leonard is one of the many that could be among the group if he declines his player option.

Golden State Warriors’ star Kevin Durant is another player who falls into the same tier as Leonard. His teammate, Klay Thompson, is also set to become an unrestricted free agent once summertime approaches.

This is a mere sample of what the 2019 free agency class could look like. As a result, it is safe to presume Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka will be aggressive in their quest to make the Lakers better.

As Rob Goldberg of Bleacher Report indicates, L.A. could definitely use one more prominent piece. In his opinion, it is perhaps the only way the Lakers will stay “competitive” in a deep conference.

"“It’s clear it will take another established player for the team to be competitive in the Western Conference, and the team was unable to land Davis in a trade. While the two sides can negotiate a deal in the summer, the Lakers don’t really have anything more to offer after negotiations failed before Thursday’s deadline.”"

Goldberg raises a fair point in terms of Davis. The Lakers were offering about half their team and draft picks for Davis’ services. It goes without saying: “What more could the Pelicans have honestly wanted?!”

While Johnson and Pelinka can try to get Davis again, it is easy wonder whether it will be worth their time. Pelicans’ GM Dell Demps never treated their initial offers for Davis with much respect.

Without a doubt, L.A. cannot afford to waste time over the course of the looming summer. If Magic Johnson truly wants to lure in one more big name, the free agency class is bound to be a better option than the trade market.

In the meantime, Johnson can only hope this current crop of Lakers can get their act together. The Lakers being a playoff team would look a lot more enticing to a free agent in lieu of the opposite.

Following Sunday’s defeat, the purple and gold occupy a 28-28 record. They are perched in a precarious position by virtue of being the West’s No. 10 seed.