Los Angeles Lakers: Big-name free agents to pair with LeBron James in 2019

With so much talent set to be available next offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers would be wise to wait until 2019 NBA free agency to find a co-star for LeBron James.

Step one of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ return to relevance is complete. With LeBron James now donning the purple and gold, we can finally say that one of the NBA’s most storied franchises has found its way back into the conversation of teams worth taking seriously.

Unfortunately, if they’re going to unseat the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets from atop the Western Conference, it’s going to take more than James to get it done. That means more star power is needed if the Lakers plan on making another Finals appearance anytime soon. The problem is figuring out where that star power will come from.

The obvious answer is via trade. However, I’m a firm believer that parting with the pieces the Lakers have spent years stockpiling for one star isn’t the right approach. Why not wait until 2019 NBA free agency, make another splash signing, and retain all of your young talent? It makes far more sense than gutting the roster and filling it with cheap veterans.

In the end, it’s up to Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka to determine this club’s direction. While that may be, it won’t stop me from suggesting a few potential targets next summer.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at three stars the Lakers could pursue during 2019 NBA free agency. I’m not a fortune teller, but I believe all of the following players will have at least mild interest in joining LeBron in Hollywood when next offseason rolls around.