5 Stars Lakers could land after LeBron James leaves LA

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Gilgeous-Alexander started his NBA career in LA after being drafted by the Clippers, but he was traded to Oklahoma City for Paul George in 2019. The 6’6 guard is unquestionably one of the best players in the world right now, and the 25-year-old should only keep getting better. He is an elite two-way force that drops 31 every night and leads the league in steals.

SGA does not become a free agent until 2027 and is happy with the Thunder. Oklahoma City is building something special. They are currently second in the Western Conference and none of their core players are in their prime.

The Thunder built a similar team with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka before things fell apart. Harden was traded to Houston, and KD departed for Golden State. Eventually, it was a total rebuild in OKC, which is often what happens to small market teams.

Could it happen again in Oklahoma City? It is not out of the question, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s love for Kobe Bryant is no secret. Could SGA decide to head back to Los Angeles to take over as the best player on the Lakers?

He will be a free agent at 29 years old. The Los Angeles Lakers could be signing a prime Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to lead their next contender. They would have to put the pieces around him, but the 6’6 wing is already proving he can be the alpha on one of the league’s best teams. There will be added pressure in LA, but SGA is up for the challenge.