Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting where top stars will land this summer
By Ed Schrenzel
Conclusion:
When it comes to free agency, surprises often occur (as just happened in baseball when the San Diego Padres signed Manny Machado). So trying to predict which player a particular team might land is a thankless task.
It was no coincidence that LeBron “drafted” the first five names on this list for his All-Star team. He undoubtedly seized the opportunity to try his hand at recruiting. Who knows if that will have any lasting effect?
So at this relatively early juncture, which of the seven stars listed is most likely to join with the Lakers?
Unless New Orleans has a complete turnaround in their thinking, it appears unlikely Magic will any better success acquiring Davis via trade than he did earlier this month.
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Also, although things could change, the Lakers would seem to have slim chances of signing Durant, Irving or Butler. Thompson still seems like a lock to stay put in the Bay Area.
That leaves two remaining prospects: the enigmatic Leonard and the uncertain Cousins. It’s possible the Lakers could sign either, or maybe even both. But it’s equally likely that neither one opts to don the purple and gold.
What would it mean if Magic Johnson went 0-for-7, striking out in his attempt to sign that second star? Would he then attempt to package two or three of the team’s young core to trade for someone else? If that didn’t work either, would he really tender his resignation? And if he did, would Jeanie Buss even accept it?
The hope here is that Magic can sign Kawhi and/or take a chance on Boogie. Even if he doesn’t, the Lakers might already have a second star already on their roster in Kyle Kuzma. Perhaps even another in Brandon Ingram, or Lonzo Ball.
Despite the bumps in the road they’ve experienced, the Lakers are still moving forward and making incremental progress. Patience may be more important than the need to gamble on taking a quantum leap forward.
Next. 5 reasons to pursue Klay Thompson this summer. dark
Yes, LeBron isn’t getting any younger, and may be prone to suffer more injuries as he ages, as most players are. But even if he can play at 75-80% two to three years from now, that might be enough to vault a maturing team into contention.
Whatever happens this summer, it promises to be a pivotal time for Magic Johnson in his position and for the Lakers in their attempt to bring an NBA championship back to LA.
All statistics courtesy of www.basketball-reference.com