The city of Los Angeles has been revitalized this season after the free agency add of Lebron James to the Lakers in the offseason. The Lakers have been one of the worst teams in basketball over the past 5 years and nothing seemed to be changing. Not with multiple top picks, multiple coaching changes: nothing. That was until King James arrived.
As of right now, the Lakers have a record of 18 - 13, which is good enough for 4th place in the conference and only 3.5 games behind the #1 seed, Denver Nuggets. It seems as if players are starting to gel together. Other players like Lonzo Ball have recently recorded a triple double (in the same game as James, no less). However, it does still seem like something is missing.
Which begs the question: will the Lakers go after a high end player through a trade this season or this offseason, as well as a free agent?
My thought is yes. It has been a trend for James' led teams. Even with an excess of young talent throughout his career, GM's have traded away that young talent to add a perennial all-star to team with James. Here are the list of names that I'm thinking could head there:
1. Anthony Davis
2. Kawhi Leonard
3. Kevin Durant or Klay Thompson
First with Davis. Anthony Davis has a huge contract, but is actually only under contract for one more season. The New Orleans Pelicans know that they most likely will not be able to sign him long term. So the thought is, whether it is mid season or after the season concludes, that the Lakers will approach the Pelicans with a multiple player offer to snag Anthony Davis. Davis would give Lebron James the big man he has been looking for his entire career. While Bosh was a double-double forward, he could not assert his will on players in the post. Davis can and could free the lanes for James.
Second would be Kawhi Leonard. If you followed anything about Leonard this offseason, you knew that his preference was to go to LA. Not necessarily the Lakers, but wanted to be in LA. He is from there and is trying to build a brand for himself, similar to what James, Steph Curry and other high profile athletes have been able to do. He was subsequently traded to the Toronto Raptors, who have had a resurgence themselves. Leonard is looking like he is an MVP candidate and the Raptors are in line for a #1 seed in the East. However, Leonard's contract expires after this season, so will he leave or try to build a dynasty with the Raptors?
Third is either Kevin Durant or Klay Thompson of the Warriors. One of them has to leave, right? The Warriors can't keep it going with the amount of money they have spent. Durant, Thompson and Draymond Green are all eligible to be free agents and it is merely impossible that all will be able to be signed by the Warriors, especially since Thompson and Green both said they want a max deal and Durant is...well, Durant. One of the best players in the league. Also, Klay's father played for the Lakers and he is from the area, so there's that.
My prediction is that the Lakers will get Davis via a trade after the season, hoping they only have to give up two young players and multiple draft picks. He will become the newly crowned king of LA. Also, Kevin Durant or Klay Thompson will join Kawhi Leonard in LA as well...except with the Los Angeles Clippers! The city of LA will be thriving with basketball next season and it will definitely be fun to watch.
What do you guys think will happen? Let me know in the comments and thanks for stopping by to check out my opinion on one of the biggest upcoming stories in basketball.
