Los Angeles Lakers: The two superstar plan this offseason is clear

Step two: Signing Kyrie Irving

The second step in the Los Angeles Lakers offseason is signing an old friend for LeBron James in Kyrie Irving. Every NBA fan would have scoffed at the idea of Irving signing with the Lakers just six months ago and now it seems like something that might be a reality.

Irving has not had a good experience on the Boston Celtics. The leadership thing has not suited Irving very well and he has not been shy in showing his displeasure with the Celtics. It appeared as if Irving was in for the long haul in Boston and not it seems very unlikely that he even stays after this season.

If he does indeed opt out then the favorites to sign him would have to be the New York Knicks, if Kevin Durant was joining him, of course. However, the Knicks do not have the greatest history with their ownership and two players of Irving and Durant’s morale might not be up for that challenge.

But the reasons for signing with the Lakers are there. Irving would obviously be on a title-contending team that would serve as a better version of the Cavaliers team that won the NBA Title. He would have to take a pay cut, about $5 million or so, but that would be made up for in marketing opportunities in Los Angeles.

So he would be on a contending team and would not have to play leader and can comfortably be the third-best guy on the team. He has shown a grown appreciation for LeBron James and perhaps he signs a three-year deal with a fourth-year opt-out to keep his options available if he sees it blowing up again.

The Lakers could then run a starting five of Irving, Josh Hart, LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma and Anthony Davis.

Bring in a few depth pieces to fill out the rest of the roster and that could be the scariest big three that the league has ever seen.