The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite an offseason, working to keep their stars aligned and focused on the same page. However, it’s clear that Luka Dončić is now the centerpiece of the organization. Dončić represents the future of the Lakers, and while it may take some time for them to become true contenders again, he has made it clear he wants to win now.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
Meanwhile, LeBron James still wants to win now — and for that reason, some believe he could be traded at some point during the season.
“The anointment of Luka Dončic, the failure to reach an offseason extension, the refusal of the front office to go all-in for rotation help this past summer—all of it points to a LeBron James exit. While it’s true James has non-basketball reasons to remain based in L.A., it’s still hard to imagine him accepting status as something other than the most important figure in the franchise for a full year. Especially if the Lakers aren’t a top-flight contender,” Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes wrote.
While the Lakers could try to build around James to convince him to stay, that path appears nearly impossible under the NBA’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors goes into great detail the financial situation LA finds itself currently in. The Lakers essentially will not be able to sign another player (on a minimum salary deal) until January 18 unless a trade to shed salary occurs before then. Much of this was put in place based on the signings already made this summer,” SI’s Jason Fray wrote.
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This situation makes life difficult for the Lakers, as they are limited in their ability to build a true championship-contending roster. While the upcoming season could still be competitive, a legitimate run at the NBA Finals doesn’t appear likely — unless the Lakers pull off a trade or two, which now looks like their only realistic path to improvement.
