While a piece or two could push the Lakers from mediocrity into potential contender, the Western Conference lightweights’ long-awaited splash into the 2018 free agency seems to have been postponed a year.
With superstars like LeBron James, Paul George and DeMarcus Cousins hitting free agency at the end of the season, the Lakers are “recalibrating their focus” on the 2019 free-agency class, which includes other stars like Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler, according to ESPN, despite the massive hype attached to the Lakers’ upcoming offseason.
The reason behind the sudden delay, according to the report, is the Lakers think they have a better shot at grabbing someone — or someones — from the 2019 class.
The long-whispered belief is James would be L.A. bound after bolting the Cavs this offseason, becoming the superstar face Magic Johnson has craved. But whom would James play with?
The path to the Lakers for two of the their perceived targets, Cousins and George, have hit snags. Cousins is nursing a torn Achilles and will miss the rest of the season. George, who grew up in Los Angeles county, went to school at Fresno State and previously stated his desire to play for the Lakers, has gotten a better taste of the outside world.
The Thunder may be successfully selling Oklahoma City since the offseason trade, with the four-time All Star stating his looming free-agency decision became “easier” since he’s now playing — and enjoying life — alongside Russell Westbrook.
And without a few sidekicks, James would not want to be stranded in Los Angeles. And if James decides on a one-year deal this offseason, he still would be in play in 2019.
This leaves the Lakers in another year of limbo. But it does afford the team time to let contracts play out, instead of ridding themselves of unwanted contracts deals by Thursday’s trade deadline. It also gives more time for the team’s younger players to develop.
The quartet of second-year prospect Brandon Ingram along with rookies Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart are playing consistently well. The Lakers are 10-4 in their last 14 games (that included an impressive 108-104 win against the Thunder on Sunday) and with things going well, maybe the Lakers can afford to see how much this group can grow instead of pausing their development by plugging in a superstar. Others, like Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson, too, may be part of the Lakers’ future rather than trade discussions. Citing a league source, ESPN said that the Lakers are “50-50 at best” at putting together a meaningful trade by the deadline.
So another year of youngsters seems to be where the Lakers are heading. They hope they can groom a homegrown star to add with the likes of a Leonard or Thompson in 2019.