Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from 2018 NBA Trade Deadline
1. Lakers make intentions clear
The Los Angeles Lakers were never into the idea of a long rebuild. It’s not in their franchise DNA, especially with Magic Johnson now in charge of basketball operations.
His plan is coming full circle, and a rapid rebuild could be brewing for the Lakers that maintains their long-term sustainability while immediately improving their team.
The Lakers will have enough cap space to sign two players to maximum contracts, and in days of bad contracts, are among the few teams with a clean slate of cap (outside of the Luol Deng deal).
Magic expressed confidence that the Lakers can lure free agents to Los Angeles, something they’ve struggled with in recent seasons. The obvious name attached with the Lakers and the 2018 free agency class is Paul George, and they can offer him anything he wants to come play in his home area.
Three impactful details on trade for Lakers: They'll have space for two max contract slots in 2018 or 2019, replenish first-round pick in 2018 Draft and gets Lakers some shooting for rest of season with Thomas and Frye.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
The other big name is LeBron James, who weirdly had his way paved for him to join the Lakers in this deal. His whereabouts next season remain a mystery, but PG-13 and the Lakers’ young players could entice the King to take his talents to Cali.
Even if the Lakers miss out on luring one or two big named players this offseason, they can sign more players to one- year, expensive prove-it deals, like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and go after Jimmy Butler, Kawhii Leonard and Klay Thompson in the summer of 2019.
The Lakers will be amongst the busiest teams this summer and are going all-in on a quick turnaround.