Los Angeles Lakers: Superstar 2019 free agents team could spend big on

Klay Thompson, SG, Golden State Warriors

You know what one of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses is heading into 2018-19? Three-point shooting. You know which 2019 free agent would fix that in a hurry? Klay Thompson.

As it so happens, Los Angeles may have its crosshairs trained on the Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooting 2-guard. Here’s what ESPN‘s Ramona Shelburne had to say during a recent appearance on ESPN LA 710’s Mornings with Keyshawn, LZ and Travis:

"“My feeling about it, my sense from just talking to people in and around this one, it’s a little early, but I think they like Mychal’s boy. I think that would be the guy, in terms of skill-set and how that would fit. Obviously Kawhi [Leonard], he’s a great player as well, but we’ll see if he stays in Toronto now. But I think they like Klay [Thompson].”"

Amidst all the talk of the Lakers being honed in on Leonard, it appears they could make a serious run at signing Thompson. That is, if he’s even interesting in leaving the Warriors, which doesn’t seem to be the case (via Bleacher Report‘s Ric Bucher).

It’s easy to imagine Thompson being the odd man out with Golden State. They’ve got an ugly financial situation brewing with too many big contracts currently on the books. If re-signing Kevin Durant is a priority, the Warriors may decide to let someone else walk in order to find some luxury tax relief.

The Lakers need shooting; Thompson can address that. The Lakers also need another superstar; Thompson checks that box off as well. If he’s actually interested in donning the purple and gold, the 2011 first round pick would have a max contract waiting for him.