Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players team must trade to sign LeBron James

Julius Randle, PF

Contract Remaining: $4,149,242 (2017-18), RFA in 2018

Most of the Lakers’ young core is locked up through the 2018-19 campaign. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case for Julius Randle, who will hit restricted free agency next offseason. While that doesn’t necessarily mean the Lakers need to move on, it may be in their best interest.

Don’t get me wrong — that’s not to say Randle can’t be an asset. However, if the Lakers are going to unload Deng and/or Mozgov, they’re going to have to find a way to sweeten the deal. Realistically, Randle makes the most sense as a trade chip.

Why? Well first off, he’s obviously a starting-caliber power forward who can help teams win now. He’s proven over the last two years that he’s capable of owning the boards and being an offensive playmaker. His game is still a work in progress, but the ceiling is very high for the former No. 7 overall pick.

However, re-signing him isn’t going to be easy for the Lakers. Considering the points I just made, Randle will likely be looking for big money on his next contract. That type of money is going to make it almost impossible to sign James or George, especially if Deng and Mozgov are still around.

Next: Boldly predicting Lakers' 2018-19 starting lineup

It seems strange to imagine the Lakers letting Randle go. In the end, though, it’s the right move to get this franchise moving forward. James and George are both capable of playing the 4, and Larry Nance Jr. is a quality role player who is still under contract through 2019.

It’s been great, but sometimes you gotta let the good ones go.