Los Angeles Lakers: 3 potential blockbuster draft-day trades in 2017

Magic time

As we are all aware, Magic Johnson is all about winning. Five NBA titles as a player, and an ensuing business empire following his playing career, means Johnson knows what it takes to make a franchise successful. One of his first steps in charge will be to restore the image of the Lakers by landing a marquee name.

Not only will landing a marquee name help generate interest in the team for the interim, it can also help significantly in the ensuing years in attracting free agents. In recent times, players of the ilk of Kevin Durant wouldn’t even convene free agent meetings with the team, such was the lowly impression of the franchise from afar.

The rumors of Paul George joining the Lakers, most likely when he becomes a free agent in 2018, never seem to die. But in order to make things more appealing to George, the acquisition of a star of the caliber of those discussed here would not hurt in the slightest.

Then there are the latest comments, most notably from ESPN‘s Jalen Rose, indicating that LeBron James could possibly leave the Cleveland Cavaliers once again when he becomes a free agent in 2018.

While he didn’t actually name the Lakers, Rose did state on his main media forum, Jalen & Jacoby, that James’ possible destination’s “would not include the Kings or the Clippers.” The Ringer‘s Kevin O’Connor has also reported that L.A. could be a landing spot for the King in the near future.

But whether it’s James, George out any other superstar player who comes out of contract, the Lakers have ceased to become the destination that players set their sights on.

Next: 2017 NBA Draft - 5 teams that should trade picks

In adding one of the three players discussed, Johnson and co. would be shoring up the Lakers’ fortunes for both the short- and long-term outlook, and in the process, potentially returning the Lakers back to their glory days.