Lakers rumors: Three reasons LA is a threat to get Klay Thompson
By Keith Rivas
Lakers won’t be a deadbeat team in 2019
Despite struggling with other free agent signings in the recent past, that won’t be what the future holds for Los Angeles. They’ve struck out on players like LaMarcus Aldridge and Carmelo Anthony, to name a few.
But maybe, in the end, that was actually a good thing.
The front office has decided that moving forward, Brandon Ingram is the only untouchable player. Others like D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle could be dealt if the price is right.
Depending on where the Lakers are with Russell by 2019, Klay could come in and have several different parts to his role.
Los Angeles could do one of two things at that point. First, they can sign Klay and ask him to mentor D’Angelo Russell if it came down to benching the former second overall pick.
Second, they could swing him into a starting position immediately and either trade Russell, find a new role in the offense for him, or let him go. Going with the latter might not be the most popular decision, even if D’Angelo Russell starts falling behind.
But Magic Johnson has been clear about his intentions as team president. The ultimate goal is to get where the Warriors did this season. With LeBron James having a handful more of seasons left in the tank, the Lakers may have to have a team in place to take him down in the Finals.
Klay could easily be their go-to guy in that scenario.