Los Angeles Lakers: Expiring players the Lakers should re-sign
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff hopes are dead, LeBron James is on a minutes restriction and the focus is already turned towards this summer.
LeBron James‘ first year with the Los Angeles Lakers has fallen far short of expectations, although we all should have seen this coming. While from a pure talent standpoint the 2019 Lakers are probably better than the 2018 Cleveland Cavaliers, the assets that the front office brought in do not mesh well together.
The Lakers did not do themselves any favors by not adding any shooters and exclusively signing one-year deals. While it was a necessity to keep the cap space for the 2019 summer, these veterans are already playing for their next contract and were expected to play behind the young core.
It does not help that the trio of Brandon Ingram, LeBron James and Lonzo Ball have not shared the court as often as they should’ve. When the team is at full strength, which includes Kyle Kuzma, they could win a playoff series or two.
The Lakers will not get the chance to prove that this season and the focus is already turned towards the summer. Los Angeles has to do much better than last year in order to make the playoffs in 2020.
For many, this means getting Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving or whatever superstar the team can get their hands on. While that is the biggest component, the team also needs to fill out the roster as well.
Not every expiring contract this year deserves another shot next season but the Lakers should look to bring back some assets. Here are the expiring guys that deserve another contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.