Lakers draft trade aimed at superteam built around LeBron James
A Lakers draft trade netted LA a second-round pick, but it could be bigger than that. The deal could get the ball rolling on building a superteam to sign LeBron James.
A Lakers draft trade that saw Los Angeles acquire a second-round pick hinted at the possibility of the organization building a superteam centered around LeBron James.
It’s just the 39th pick in the draft, but acquiring the selection could help the Lakers should their plan to collect free-agents come to fruition.
Second-round picks differ from first-round selections in that they don’t count against the salary cap.
And LA will need inexpensive contracts to fill out their bench should they wish to make a run at free agents this summer, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
With the free-agent world revolving around LeBron James, everyone is waiting for the dominoes to fall on NBA Draft night, and while a minor move, the Lakers may have gotten the ball rolling with the acquisition of the pick.
Rumors of LeBron heading to LA have been on the front burner for the last year, however, they’re by no means a lock to land the four-time MVP.
Unless, they can get other superstars to join the squad.
With rumors of Paul George re-signing with the Thunder, a huge wrench may have been thrown into the Lakers plan.
George, a native of LA, has all been guaranteed by TV bloviators to sign with the Lakers.
LA can possibly sign someone else to lure James (Chris Paul), but it will be devastating to the franchise if they can’t get George.
If the Lakers aren’t going to contend next year, why would LeBron go?
In the trade market, the Spurs appear to be deadset on keeping Kawhi Leonard out of the Western Conference.
Say what you will, but the idea of LeBron picking up his $35 million option and remaining with the Cavaliers doesn’t seem all that crazy as it did two weeks ago.
The Warriors are still the team to beat in the West. The Rockets may also be right there if they keep Paul.
In the East, Philadelphia and Boston are up-and comers, but the Cavs will be better than they were a year ago by picking someone eighth in the draft.
The move isn’t on the same level as adding a superstar, but LeBron, Kevin Love and let’s say Trae Young, would still compete for an Eastern Conference title.
Next: 6 trades the Cavs must make with or without LeBron
One transaction could nix that theory though, because if the Lakers do get a superstar whether by trade or the start of free agency July 1, all eyes will be on James to see if makes what many have predicted comes true.