Lakers Rumors: Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler are top priorities
Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve free agent targets, as Kemba Walker and Jimmy Butler are reportedly top priorities for the team.
Los Angeles Lakers rumors have really picked up in recent days with news that they have agreed to a blockbuster deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Anthony Davis saga is now over, as the Lakers have reportedly acquired the former Kentucky standout for Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and multiple future first-round picks, including the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
That is a steep price for one player, but the Lakers now have the superstar running mate for LeBron James that they have coveted. However, they do not seem to be ready to stop at just two superstars, as they have their eyes set on another max-level player.
Depending on when the Davis trade becomes official will determine how much money the Lakers have remaining to spend. If the deal is completed later, the Lakers will have more money to spend.
If Pelicans and Lakers waited until July 30 to complete trade, Lakers could’ve had $32.5M in cap space --- enough to pursue a max level free agent. By waiting 30 days, Lakers would be acting like a team over the cap and thus allowed to use 4th overall pick in draft as salary. https://t.co/BdKtxFtvai
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2019
Davis could waive his trade kicker, giving the team another four million to spend in free agency potentially. If he does that, they will have $27.7 million in space if the deal is completed on July 6.
With Davis now in the fold, the Lakers have given themselves a number of different avenues to pursue. While it was being reported that the Lakers were not near the top of any free agent’s wish list, that could change now.
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Whether or not the Lakers land a max-level free agent in a deep class is up for debate, but you can guarantee that they will try.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the team has already set their sights on two players. Haynes reports that Los Angeles has made Kemba Walker and Jimmy Butler their priorities in free agency.
"With James and Davis as the cornerstones of the franchise, the Lakers still have room to add one more star in free agency. Charlotte guard Kemba Walker and Philadelphia forward Jimmy Butler are top priorities, sources said."
The ability for Rob Pelinka and company to offer that max contract will come down to when the trade with the Pelicans becomes official. This is, hopefully, something they were cognizant of when discussing the parameters of the deal.
Just having the chance to land someone such as Walker or Butler would be incredible for the Lakers. Having one of them added to the trio of LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma and Davis already in place would give the Lakers one of the strongest foursomes in the NBA.
Next. Realistic Tier 2 Free Agents To Target. dark
Filling out the remainder of the roster could be troublesome, but there are always players willing to take less money to play for a contender. With James and Davis on board, free agents could be lining up to join them in Hollywood to get the Lakers back on track.