Lakers: Why the Lakers will win a championship by 2020
By Jason Reed
2. The seeds are in place to bring in superstars
C’mon now, the Los Angeles Lakers are telegraphing their every move. Los Angeles is not so subtly making roster cap space for next offseason, the same offseason that Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins, LeBron James and others could be free agents. As of now, Los Angeles has just under $50 million in cap space opening with Brook Lopez, Corey Brewer and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
It all started with the trade that landed Lopez on the Lakers. Los Angeles traded D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov in exchange for Lopez and the first round pick that resulted in Kyle Kuzma. After the Lakers overpaid Caldwell-Pope $18 million for one season, it was very clear they are covering their grounds for the future.
As the season goes along, the team is only destined to make a blockbuster trade to free up cap space. Luol Deng is the best option to clear but would need someone like Randle included in the deal. However, Clarkson and his $37.5 million over the next three years may be a movable option for LA.
The league is taking note as well. Paul George has been tied to the Lakers for months now and LeBron James has emerged as the newest candidate. DeMarcus Cousins is always an option and other stars are likely to float in the picture as the season goes along.
The Los Angeles Lakers would not be telegraphing their every move for no reason. Los Angeles’ front office is smart, thus transitioning into the third reason why they will win a title.