Los Angeles Lakers: How missing the playoffs would affect the offseason

3. So, what is realistic for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason

This is a very tough question to answer. Not making the playoffs obviously has an impact on what will happen this offseason and completely throws a wrench into all of the potential plans that the Lakers had for this summer after signing James last summer.

There was so much promise for the summer of 2019 a year ago. There were big name free agents, such as Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson and potentially even Kevin Durant that were somewhat tied to LA.

However, with the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks both having space to sign two superstars, those dreams are out the window.

There is also the obvious answer that the team trades for Anthony Davis. And while that ultimately might be the only way to save the Lakers, it is hard to gauge what the team will give up.

The young core was not great while James was out but showed good signs. If anything, it has been the veterans that the front office brought in on one-year deals that have held the team down, mixed with injuries, of course.

While the Lakers could trade the entire young core it obviously would not be smart and would lead to a depleted roster that would not stand through an 82-game season.

Right now, it appears as if that Davis trade is the most likely move as the Lakers are not going to lure in any free agents.

However, it is hard to label that as the team’s assured plan as it is unclear exactly what the team is even trying to do. Whatever it is, we better hope Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have some answers.