NBA free agency has barely begun, and already the Los Angeles Lakers have suffered four crushing blows. First came word that possible free agent target Robert Williams would re-sign with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Then came news that star LeBron James wouldn't be returning to Los Angeles. Finally, Marcus Smart signed a deal with the Houston Rockets, while Luke Kennard signed with the Phoenix Suns. I'm no human calculator, but that's 0-4.
Sure, they traded for Walker Kessler, but that seems like a clear overpay in terms of both assets and salary. Losing out on a springy defensive center, their second-best player, their defensive pit bull, and a sharpshooter has got to hurt.
The Lakers are already running out of free agent options
The Lakers losing LeBron might have been seen as a foregone conclusion by some, though the hope was that he would be willing to take a pay cut to return. That won't happen, and he may instead join the Golden State Warriors.
All may not be lost, however, for the Lakers; they still have hopes that Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic could join them next summer. Just the possibility of that happening is enough to change their offseason plans.
That could mean no more long-term deals. trying to maintain cap flexibility next season. Even if they can't sign him, a possible sign-and-trade involving Austin Reaves might be on the table, but what about this summer?
The Lakers may take one step back to take two steps forward
To be clear, I never expected the Lakers to run it back, but now they don't really have a choice. They have already brought back Reaves, and Deandre Ayton has already opted in.
The outline of what this roster might be is beginning to take shape, and it probably won't be as good as last season's team. Granted, they made it to the second round last season without Luka Doncic.
True, but the West projects to be even tougher, with the Utah Jazz and Warriors possibly making the playoffs.
That makes it a tougher path for the Lakers to compete in the short term. It also puts added pressure on GM Rob Pelinka to make magic happen this offseason. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they have gotten off to a rough start.
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