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Los Angeles Lakers: Three offseason strategies without Anthony Davis

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 29: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks in front of Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on January 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 29: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks in front of Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on January 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Spend big on a risky star

The problem with not getting Anthony Davis is that it seems very unlikely that the Los Angeles Lakers are actually able to sign any of the premier free agents this summer. Kevin Durant already seems to have one foot in the door in New York, Kawhi Leonard has a much better route with the Los Angeles Clippers and Klay Thompson seems content to stay in Golden State.

This is not the two superstar plan that the Lakers had hoped for and if the team is really going all-in on adding a second star as soon as possible that likely means spending superstar money on a risky star.

There are two risky starts that come to mind. First, there is Jimmy Butler, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the year and is on an expiring contract.

While the 76ers have grandeur plans of keeping Butler and Tobias Harris to maintain a “big four” there is a chance that Butler chases the dollar signs. Of course, the risk with Butler being that he has had a negative locker room impact on every team he has played for.

The other risky star that the Lakers might not even have to spend big on is DeMarcus Cousins. The Lakers certainly need the size and would benefit from putting a big man shooter around LeBron James.

The risk with Cousins is also his demeanor and the worries about his Achilles. Cousins still is not back to full speed with the Warriors and that should make the Lakers wary.

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