Los Angeles Lakers: Magic’s plan for the offseason is genius

Since joining the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office, Magic Johnson has been questioned after making a series of moves in his new position. However, after some observing and evaluation, perhaps the former Laker great is up to something no one is prepared for.

To say that the Los Angeles Lakers have had an interesting run since last winning an NBA title in 2010 is an understatement. Since then, the Kobe Bryant era ended on a somber note after injuries derailed the end of his Hall of Fame career. Follow that up with a series of bad contracts to the likes of Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng, and it’s been losing season after losing season for the Lakers.

Now by this point, it is very possible that fans are questioning what direction this franchise is headed in. Enter the new front office team of Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson. After a series of bad moves, the Los Angeles Lakers have actually done well in the draft. Some of those picks are gone now, but those traded players have become big-time assets for the future, or for the upcoming 2018 and 2019 offseasons.

In fact, when looked at from the outside, it would be safe to assume the Lakers are just tanking, but it’s obvious Magic Johnson is planning something bigger. Trading away Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. doesn’t look like a winning strategy, but clearing cap space was part of the plan. Why is that? Well, going after the likes of LeBron James and Paul George is not cheap. However, where does the genius plan begin?

That brilliant strategy begins reports emerge about the Los Angeles Lakers focusing their efforts on the 2019 offseason. What is significant about that year? The likes of Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, and Kawhi Leonard will be free agents. Originally the idea was to pursue the guys of this class — James, George, DeMarcus Cousins before the Achilles injury, and even Kevin Durant. Of course the Lakers will be in play this offseason. Say what you will, but they are still the Lakers.

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However, with the Lakers keeping an eye on 2019, teams and free agents begin to ponder: Is L.A. all in this year or not? That’s the genius in Magic’s strategy. Tell the league that the Lakers won’t go at it this year, and aim for next year. Announcements like that can petrify teams. The Los Angeles Lakers and Magic may have just convinced teams to go all in this offseason or decide to put it off for another year.

In other words, Magic has saved his ace, and is now daring the league to decide their plans. As charismatic a figure as any, Magic will ride that smile of his as teams scramble to figure out the plan. He knows how to talk to players. He knows players want to hear what he has to say. It’s part of his aura and mystique that mesmerizes players past and present. The genius plan is simple. Tell the league your “plans” and say nothing afterward. Allow the league to scramble and be afraid.

Stockpiling cap space, drafting players like Kyle Kuzma, Julius Randle, and Brandon Ingram, and off-loading horrible contracts were just parts of step one. Step two: Announce to the world the supposed plan. So what could step three be? The rest of the league will have to wait and see. The mystery of this entire strategy is genius.

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While the contenders prepare for a long playoff push, lottery teams prepare for draft analysis and the borderline teams prepare free agency plans, the Los Angeles Lakers will sit back and watch. At least the league thinks they’ll just sit back. They could fire away and the Lakers do nothing. Or, the league does nothing and Lakers make the moves to bring them back to contending status. One thing is certain, however: The team’s flexibility gives them the upper hand this summer.