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

Klay Thompson, SG – Golden State Warriors

One of the big reasons the Cleveland Cavaliers struggled during the 2018 NBA Playoffs was because LeBron’s supporting cast couldn’t find the bottom of the net no matter how open they were. He’d set ’em, but no one was capable of knocking ’em down.

That’s why it seems strange that a number of the Lakers’ post-LeBron signings were average-at-best shooters. Lance Stephenson is wildly inconsistent, and not exactly known for his 3-point stroke (30.3 career percentage). Rajon Rondo is known much more for his passing and defense than shooting prowess.

Signing Klay Thompson would be a solve-all, though.

If you’re looking for a knockdown shooter, Thompson is your man. Let’s look at his career percentage: 45.8 from the field, 42.2 from downtown and 85.2 from the line. No longer would James have to watch his potential assists turn into bricks.

My biggest concern is that Thompson would want to be “the man.” If he did end up leaving the Warriors, I wouldn’t be surprised if he signed somewhere that he could be the go-to guy. Joining the Lakers would insert himself into a role similar to what he’s currently in — the Robin to James’ Batman.

Still, if Thompson is interested in a trip south, Los Angeles would love to have him. Possessing that type of elite sharpshooting and defense would do wonders for the Lakers’ championship odds.