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Lakers rumors: Three ways LA can still make playoffs

By Keith Rivas

Oct 9, 2016; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dribbles the ball pursued by Denver Nuggets forward Jarnell Stokes (12) at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Lakers defeated the Nuggest 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dribbles the ball pursued by Denver Nuggets forward Jarnell Stokes (12) at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Lakers defeated the Nuggest 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Chicago 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Chicago 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Trading for a superstar

The Lakers have yet to land their next big name in the post-Bryant era.

Trusting a young core is great and all, but the other question that comes to mind is how long the fans will be willing to wait.

Adding Magic Johnson to the team in an advisory capacity means that he’ll now get to have a say in the team’s decisions.

Johnson has been quoted as saying the Lakers just a “superstar away” from getting on the same level as Golden State and San Antonio.

If that’s not saying a lot, I’m not sure what is.

What this does mean though is that the young core would likely get blown up in part, if not more.

Players like Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell would be attractive trade targets for the right team. Also, when you consider the Lakers could make a major trade and still not have it work out, that means they’ll likely get a top three draft pick.

Throw in a fresh out of college point guard with what the team has at other positions and that could be the set up that gets them into the playoffs not just this year, but long term.

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