Los Angeles Lakers: Examining possible 2018 free agency approaches

3. Play the waiting game

This is the most unlikely of the three options, but it’s definitely in play.

In this situation, the Lakers learn early that they’re not going to get LeBron James, Paul George or both. So instead of trying for other max contract players, they opt to play it safe. It’s not the ideal plan, but NBA free agency isn’t an ideal world.

Julius Randle may or may not be re-signed, although it would be in Los Angeles’ best interests. Others such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brook Lopez or Isaiah Thomas could be brought back on one-year deals. Essentially, it’ll just be a repeat of what the Lakers did this past offseason — avoid long-term contracts.

Then, when 2019 free agency rolls around, they’ll have another opportunity to sign two superstars. There are a number of excellent players scheduled to be available next year, as I previously highlighted. Fans won’t like having to wait another year, but this option should only become a consideration if the Lakers miss on their top two targets.

The Lakers didn’t sacrifice D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson just to waste the cap space on anything less than superstars. If the top-tier talent isn’t there in 2018, it very well could be in 2019.