Lakers Rumors: The Three Keys to Return to the Playoffs

2. Acquire a Superstar Small Forward

If the Lakers want to make the postseason again, they need to capitalize in bringing in a talent from the deep pool at small forward. We have all heard over and over the big name, Paul George, but the Lakers could also go into free agency to pursue a superstar small forward.

Now, despite also needing a dominant big man, this should be their main focus. The Lakers could easily bring in a good bench player that would compliment Zubac and Randle, giving them that dominant rebounding feel. With this, they would secure a true leader that would not only perform but up the performance of their teammates.

If the Lakers wanted to secure Paul George, they realistically could get the deal done. A deal that makes sense for parties would like send either Julius Randle or Brandon Ingram, Jordan Clarkson, and a future first round pick. This may seem like a lot for Laker fans, but the benefits would be exponentially and quite frankly when the team fills other areas the deal will make more sense.

Now, if the team wanted to test free agency, there are two big names that have player options – Gordon Hayward and Kevin Durant. Durant, of course, is the bigger of the two, but both would give the Lakers the superstar they need.

Realistically, the Lakers would have a better chance in signing Gordon Hayward. Although his intents may be to stick with the Jazz, Magic Johnson and company may put together a good enough sales pitch. As for Durant, the Warriors cannot realistically afford both Steph Curry and Durant.

With Curry’s contract coming to an end, he is likely going to request the big money that he deserves. It would be near impossible for the Warriors to eat these big contracts, and if they did, it would leave them with no depth. That leaves Durant almost certainly a free agent and could end up in Los Angeles.