Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players who may not be around in 2018-19

1. Julius Randle

I know this isn’t what any Lakers fan wants to hear/read. Randle has been a monster this season, showing immense amounts of growth, tenacity and a drive to prove that he belongs in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, it may all be for naught.

The Lakers have some very difficult decisions to make this offseason. Do they go all-in on signing LeBron James and Paul George? If so, will they even get them? Or maybe they throw the kitchen sink at one, and use the rest of their cap space to re-sign Randle and make a couple of cheaper moves? So many avenues to consider…

Unfortunately, several of the possible approaches lead to Randle wearing a different jersey in 2018-19.

Now I’m not saying that’s what’s going to happen. Maybe the Lakers miss on LeBron, and immediately turn their attention to retaining Randle. Or maybe they simply decide James isn’t worth the hassle, instead choosing continuity over a 33-year-old superstar. The King may be aging like fine wine, but it won’t last forever — it didn’t with Kobe Bryant.

Either way, there will be countless discussions had behind closed doors about keeping Randle. There will also be plenty about letting him walk via restricted free agency. As for what actually happens, we can only wait and see.

Next: 2017-18 Week 23 NBA Power Rankings

Be prepared, though. There are plenty of realistic scenarios that could end with one of the NBA’s breakout stars of 2017-18 leaving the Lake Show for good.