Lakers Rumors: Bold predictions for the Lakers offseason

The Lakers will pass on this year’s free agent stars

Many fans want to see the Los Angeles Lakers make a splash as soon as this offseason to increase their chances for next year. While the thought of Gordon Hayward, Blake Griffin, or Chris Paul as Lakers is intriguing, the Lakers will smartly avoid the bait this offseason. This harsh reality may upset some fans, but it is the wisest thing the Lakers can do.

First and foremost, at the very least the Lakers are going to be bringing in two talents from the draft, perhaps even three. If the Lakers keep their first round pick by landing in the top three they will be bringing in yet another young star to the fold. Let’s say that star is Josh Jackson, the Lakers now have three players capable of being superstars, Russell, Jackson, and Brandon Ingram.

The team will get better in the offseason without chasing these free agents, that is apparent. At the very worst the Lakers will get a late first round and early second pick, which will still increase their depth and allow them to further grow.

However, the biggest reason for the Lakers holding out this offseason is because of one man, Paul George. George will be a free agent after next season, and he has been tied to the Lakers very prominently. George is better than Gordon Hayward, is younger than Chris Paul, and provides more certainty than Blake Griffin.

There is not a doubt in my mind that Paul George is atop the Lakers list of targets, circled perhaps 100 times. Los Angeles will smartly let this unit continue to grow, then bringing in George next year to lead them to the promise land.