It seems increasingly likely the Los Angeles Lakers will head into camp and the season with Russell Westbrook on their roster this season. The Nets seem unwilling to trade Kyrie Irving and the Lakers’ options to move on from Westbrook appear to be quickly dwindling.
Even if the team does move on from Westbrook they will likely have the ability next offseason to recruit a star player to star alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
James signed a two-year extension with the Lakers completely changed the outlook on the Lakers. They now have a three-year window to win a second title and build around James and Davis. While adding a star player this past offseason wasn’t on the table due to Westbrook’s contract the team will part ways with Russell at the latest by season’s end and be able to sign another impact player.
Looking at the possible trade and free agency targets there are four clear players LeBron James and the Lakers should be recruiting.
This is a team that simply needs a shooter or defensive reinforcement that fits in alongside LeBron and Davis. James will take a step back but the team needs to continue to lean on Davis when he’s healthy attempting to turn him into the top scorer he has been in seasons past.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the four best fits for the Lakers next offseason.
1. Kyrie Irving
If the rumors of Kyrie Irving wanting to join forces with LeBron are true Irving will have the power to make that a reality next offseason. While a trade for Kyrie is still a possibility it seems increasingly likely the Nets are going to play hardball and keep Durant and Kyrie on the roster.
The Lakers didn’t have the cap space to sign Irving this past offseason perhaps contributing to the point guard opting into his option with the Nets.
However, with Westbrook leaving next offseason and Irving hitting free agency Irving can still become a Laker just later than many are hoping he will. LeBron and Kyrie brought a championship to Cleveland and took down the Golden State Warriors in epic fashion in their last tenure together.
While both players are older this time they have Anthony Davis to lean on as well. If all three players were able to stay healthy for the majority of the season there isn’t a legitimate argument against the Lakers being title favorites. Irving coming to the Lakers this season is still a possibility but it seems more likely if Irving is going to wear the purple and gold it will be next offseason when he hits free agency.