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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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Try to sign two “in-between” stars with the cap space

This one is a bit harder as it is hard to gauge how much these in-between stars will get this summer. NBA teams have been notorious for overpaying but that has burned so many teams that it could lead to these guys getting underpaid, especially in this year’s free agent class.

Take Nikola Vucevic for example. Vucevic was an all-star for the first time this season and has been playing truly great basketball. However, a team might still be only willing to offer him $18-20 million per year, which would leave the Lakers with enough money to sign another in-between star like Vucevic instead of spending it all in one place.

If the Lakers get Vucevic then the team is going to have to get a lesser name in order to stay under the cap but still one that is solid nonetheless. Rudy Gay or Harrison Barnes could be an intriguing fit on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Maybe that pairing is Wesley Matthews and Khris Middleton. Middleton should get around $25 million per year and Matthews can be signed on a $10-12 million per year contract.

That would not fit as well based on positions but would fill the roster out. If the team went with Vucevic and Matthews, for example, that would give the Lakers a starting five of Lonzo Ball, Matthews, Brandon Ingram, LeBron and Nikola Vucevic with Kyle Kuzma as the sixth-man.

If that team stays healthy it is one that can win close to 60 games, if not more.

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