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Lakers Rumors: Five-step offseason checklist to win in 2018

By Jason Reed

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 26: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers watches as his team takes on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 26, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Lakers defeated the Bulls 108-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 26: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers watches as his team takes on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 26, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Lakers defeated the Bulls 108-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – FEBRUARY 10: Isaiah Thomas (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – FEBRUARY 10: Isaiah Thomas (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

5. If Paul George pursuit fails, sign Isaiah Thomas

This fifth step is more of a conditional step, but if the Lakers do fail in their pursuit of Paul George this summer, they should re-sign Isaiah Thomas to a hefty one-year deal.

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Much like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Lakers can lock Thomas down for one more season by overpaying him (likely in the $20 million range). This will ensure that the Lakers get to keep Thomas for one more season while giving Thomas a chance to prove that he deserves that kind of payday.

This is not completely out of question, either, as Thomas’ impact on the young players could potentially lead the Lakers to re-sign him. As great as that sounds, it should only happen if the Lakers strike out on George.

Thomas has shown how he plays with other stars (not well) and could potentially clash with George in LA; especially if Thomas is reduced to a bench role. However, as a leader of this young team, Thomas’ can return back to the King of the Fourth and at least give the Lakers some playoff experience.

This would be the final piece in the Lakers’ backcourt puzzle. Although that is a relatively small backcourt aside from Lonzo Ball, it would be a respectable one that has a little bit of everything. Thomas can teach Ball, Hart and Holiday the ropes, lead the team in scoring and hopefully find the eighth seed.

Next: Five positives to take from the Lakers season

It is undeniable that the Lakers would be a more talented team with Paul George. However, even without George, the Lakers need to find a way to get that valuable experience. A healthy Isaiah Thomas may be able to provide that.

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