Lakers Rumors: Team focusing on free agency more than trades

Recent Lakers rumors are that they are focusing on getting a star in free agency this summer rather than a trade.

With the offseason already here for the Los Angeles Lakers, there have been plenty of Lakers rumors surrounding the team. As of now, those rumors have been mostly about their search for a new head coach.

Since the Lakers are without a president of basketball operations, they have had Rob Pelinka running the show on those interviews. This is a very important decision to make for the Lakers, and it appears like Pelinka will be playing a big part in the decision.

With these interviews have come some nuggets of information. According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Lakers have been talking with potential head coaches more about their plan for getting a star in free agency rather than via a trade. Here’s what he had to say on ESPN LA 710 with text via SilverScreenAndRoll.com.

"“I’ve heard that some of the discussion that the coaching candidates have had with Lakers management has been (directed) more-so towards their plans for free agency this summer versus their plans to change their roster via trade. And so, if they’re not going to go for a roster-shaping trade this year and it’s gotta be through free agency… you either show up or you don’t. And if you don’t, the consequence is: It could create a really tough situation to live in if you’re LeBron James. So I think precarious is the best way to describe (the situation).”"

Hearing that the Lakers are focusing on free agency to land a star rather than via a trade is certainly encouraging news. For the Lakers to really have the best chance to win next season, it would be to sign a star rather than having to give up pieces of their talented young core in order to get one.

While the Lakers did sign LeBron James last summer, landing a superstar is no easy task. Due to the turmoil in the front office and on the coaching staff, convincing a star to come might have some challenges.

However, having LeBron James to help recruit should do the Lakers some good. While there have been some conflicts reports on whether or not stars want to play with LeBron, he isn’t in Cleveland anymore, and recruiting players to Los Angeles should be much easier for him.

Before free agency starts, the Lakers will have to make a decision on a head coach. That can also play a huge role in potential free agents wanting to come, and something that the Lakers will have to take into consideration.