Lakers: Four steps to win a title by the 2020 season
By Jason Reed
1. Drain the swamp as early as possible
The Los Angeles Lakers have a long history of making great business moves that have kept the organization relevant throughout its history. The contracts that were given out in the 2016 offseason definitely fall outside of smart business choices.
Los Angeles gave out three pretty hefty contracts last offseason. The Lakers extended the contract of Jordan Clarkson while signing both Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov to four-year deals. Between the trio, the Lakers were set to owe over $46 million annually.
For one solid young talent and two washed up veterans, this was a poor move. New President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson has realized this and already parted ways with Timofey Mozgov. The team had to get rid of D’Angelo Russell in the process, but his hole was filled by Lonzo Ball.
The Lakers are going to have to do something similar with Luol Deng. Perhaps pairing him with a young talent such as Julius Randle will do the trick. Los Angeles can bring in an expiring contract such as Greg Monroe while sending away Randle and Deng.
As for Clarkson, he will be easier to deal. Clarkson definitely is talented, but with big plans, the Lakers should not look to pay his average $12.5 million salary. Los Angeles simply can send Clarkson to a rebuilding team for an expiring veteran’s contract, such as Derrick Favors.
Regardless, the Lakers need to drain the swamp. If the team frees up these contracts, with existing expiring contracts, Los Angeles will have nearly $80 million in salary cap space.