5 Stars Lakers could land after LeBron James leaves LA
By Tyler Watts
The Los Angeles Lakers are always searching for their next superstar. From LeBron James to Kobe Bryant to Shaquille O’Neal to Magic Johnson to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Wilt Chamberlain, their roster is always headlined by one of the best players in the world, and the Lakers keep finding ways to acquire them.
With King James turning 40 in 2024, there are questions about how much longer he will stay at the top of his game and continue leading the franchise. The fake trades are rolling in, and LeBron has been vocal about playing on the same team as his son in the NBA. He could leave LA this summer but is in no rush. James is still elite and looking for a fifth championship before hanging up the sneakers.
Lakers fans know LeBron will not be wearing purple and gold for long. His decline could come at any moment, and nobody has played more than 22 seasons in the league. James begins year 22 in 2024. Doomsday day is coming, but where will the Lakers turn their sights next? These five superstars are prime targets for LA when they become available.
5. Devin Booker
Booker is locked up in Phoenix until 2028, and the Lakers won’t have the assets to trade for him anytime soon. Still, do not rule out the three-time All-Star wearing the purple and gold someday. Kobe Bryant was a mentor to D-Book (subscription required), and it would not be shocking to see him try to take over as the Lakers superstar.
The Suns have three stars and are willing to spend, but things could go south quickly. Kevin Durant is 35 years old with a lengthy injury history. If his play drops off and Beal cannot stay healthy, Phoenix could be in trouble. Booker wants to win immediately and could look elsewhere if the Suns are not title contenders.
The Los Angeles Lakers will target one of the top talents in the league, and Devin Booker certainly qualifies. He was first-team All-NBA in 2022 and helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021. Booker may not end up on the Lakers, but he is one of the names to watch after LeBron James leaves.