Los Angeles Lakers: Examining possible 2018 free agency approaches

3. Sign one max contract, re-sign Julius Randle

Personally, this is the approach I believe will yield the best results. Instead of dishing out way too much money for two players, the Lakers can spread that second allotment of max money across a couple of quality contributors.

So let’s work with this as the scenario: LeBron stays with the Cleveland Cavaliers and George joins the Lakers. They get one superstar to ensure their competitiveness moving forward. Now, with the remaining $35 million (approximately) LeBron would cost, they go out and re-sign Randle. That keeps their young core intact, rewarding their budding big man for the breakout season he’s enjoying.

Randle should only cost about $13 million annually (give or take a few million) to re-sign. That leaves about $22 million to work with, which the Lakers can use to sign another starter, bolster their bench or re-sign a combination of Lopez, Caldwell-Pope or Thomas. I know getting James with that money would be a dream come true, but that $35 million can be better spent elsewhere.

Here’s my mindset on this one: Getting James and George would be great, but that still leaves too many holes. By signing those two, re-signing Randle is nearly out of the question unless something is done with Luol Deng. There won’t be enough money to re-sign any of Lopez, Caldwell-Pope or Thomas, who have all been valuable assets this season.

That would leave the Lakers with nearly zero veteran presence on the roster besides James and George. As great as their young core is, I don’t think they’re quite mature enough yet to be counted on for a full 82-game season or deep playoff run. Using exceptions isn’t going to get Los Angeles enough veteran talent to make this roster Finals-worthy.

Next: Lakers' top free agent targets not named James, George

So they take the middle-of-the-road approach, bolstering the meat of the roster instead of going with a top-heavy lineup. That ensures a more talented rotation, and doesn’t force two players to shoulder the hopes of an entire franchise.