Los Angeles Lakers: 4 stars to pair with Anthony Davis post-LeBron James

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 02: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis #3 look on during the first half against the Miami Heat in Game Two of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 02, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 02: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis #3 look on during the first half against the Miami Heat in Game Two of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 02, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

3. Donovan Mitchell

This would only be a possibility if Donovan Mitchell wanted out of Utah. While nothing concrete has yet emerged, there has been speculation about Mitchell’s future in the NBA, especially after reports that his relationship with Rudy Gobert worsened after the coronavirus outbreak on the Jazz.

If Mitchell were to force his way out of Utah then the timeline for it to happen would be next summer. Mitchell would be a restricted free agent, meaning that the Jazz would have the right to match any deal that he signs.

Mitchell can play his cards right and essentially force his way out of Utah. He could demand a trade, and if the Jazz were smart, they would conduct a sign and trade with the team of his choosing to at least get some capital in return.

It does get tricky with the contract situation as the Lakers would need the contracts to send in return in the sign-and-trade deal. That is all dependent on who the team signs this offseason as well as how good their young capital can improve.

One option would be trading Talen-Horton Tucker, whoever the team drafts in this year’s draft and Kyle Kuzma, who will also be a restricted free agent.

Mitchell would have to play his cards right for this to happen and if he does want out there would be no better place to come than LA.