Los Angeles Lakers have done a great job in the offseason. Many experts believe the Laker’s performance is the best in the current offseason, specifically in free agency. Moreover, the Lakers have added quality players like Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, and Cam Reddish to their roster.
Hence, the Lakers look set with a balanced team ready for the new season. However, the Front office of the Lakers might look for a new playmaker in the form of CJ McCollum. Last year, the Lakers realized their previous plan to play LeBron James and Russell Westbrook was not a good plan at all. Westbrook is not a good shooter.
The LA Side Might Sign CJ McCollum; The Pelicans Might Like The Deal
LeBron James might play better with elite floor spacers. The Lakers are looking for a secondary playmaker who can play well alongside LeBron James. They might actually sign McCollum from New Orleans Pelicans. It might backfire like signing Russell Westbrook. Moreover, CJ McCollum is not an elite off-guard. But he sure can make plays for his teammates and for himself too, whatever the situation demands. Hence, the Los Angeles Lakers can keep McCollum as a viable option. If they don’t have an ideal first half of the season, then they can sign McCollum in the mid-season.
But that trade might make the Lakers give up quality players from their roster to the New Orleans Pelicans. For instance, the Pelicans might demand D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Taurean Prince in exchange for CJ McCollum. It might be a little bit risky, but to help LeBron James, the Lakers might take this step. On the other hand, New Orleans Pelicans will love this deal to get those quality players. Moreover, the Pelicans would love to surround Zion Williamson with the three players the LA side might have to give up. It will help the team get more flexible.
Lakers Will Heavily Depend On Reaves, Hachimura And D’Lo For The Future
They had to take care of the top priorities – Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell. Moreover, which is why the Lakers re-signed each of the three players with multi-year contracts? These three young players have been highly influential in the Laker’s journey to reach the Western Conference Finals. The front office might even think about building the future roster around these players, especially in the post-James and Davis era. For over five years, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been carrying the responsibilities of the team on their shoulders.
The duo of James and Davis have helped the LA side win their 17th title in 2019-20. But LeBron James is 38 years old, and even if he is not showing much signs of slowing down, it is undeniable that he is at the twilight of his career. Moreover, he gave a couple of hints of retirement after the humiliating defeat in the WCF. Hence, the day might come soon when King James finally hangs up his boots. As a result, the Los Angeles Lakers must have some resources on whom they can count for the future. That’s what Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell are.