The deal re-establishes the Lakers as a basketball superpower and premier free agency destination while putting an end to one of basketball’s most drawn out sagas.
It’s a huge coup for LeBron James and agent Rich Paul, who did everything in their power to secure AD’s path to LA and get King James a suitable No. 2 for the latter part of his career. As for New Orleans, they bid adieu to a former franchise cornerstone just days before ushering in a new one: projected No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson, the explosive forward out of Duke.
With LeBron and AD finally together, the question now becomes who’s next? LeBron’s greatest successes have come when he’s been part of an epic trio and the Lakers have the means to add another star in what is still a loaded free agency class even without the injured Kevin Durant (Achilles) and Klay Thompson (torn ACL).
So, who will it be? Let’s take a look at the candidates.
(Note: Since they are likely to miss all of next season, KD and Klay were withdrawn from consideration. If I had to guess, my gut tells me they both end up back in Golden State.)
Kemba Walker, PG, Charlotte Hornets
2018-19 Stats: 25.6 points, 5.9 assists, 43.4 percent from the field, 35.6 percent from three.
The Rundown: With Lonzo Ball gone and Rajon Rondo a free agent, there’s a glaring need for a starting point guard in LA and Walker is reportedly the Lakers’ top target. The 29-year-old three-time All-Star spent the last eight seasons in Charlotte and emerged as one of the league’s best point men, but only made the playoffs twice during his Hornets tenure.
Should he sign with the Lakers? No. Walker would likely achieve more postseason success in his first season with the Lakers than he ever did with the Hornets, but he’d also $81 million on the table. That wouldn’t be Kemba’s only sacrifice. After being the Hornets’ No. 1 option and having all the shots to himself for most of his career, Walker would be scrambling for whatever crumbs LeBron and Davis leave behind. The upside is more open looks. The downside is a numbers dip wrapped inside a media circus all in the name of a championship that’s far from promised.
If not, then where? Walker never seemed desperate to leave North Carolina, so safe money is on him staying in Charlotte. However, if he were to leave, the Bronx native should take a long look at being the leader of a young Knicks core that will include Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and potential third pick R.J. Barrett.
Kyrie Irving, PG, Boston Celtics
2018-19 Stats: 23.8 points, 6.9 assists, 48.7 percent from the field, 40.1 percent from three
The Rundown: All signs point to things coming to an end this summer for the Boston Celtics and six-time All-Star/Woke Gawd Kyrie Irving after an odd two-year relationship. Irving opted out of his contract, and hours before the AD trade, rumors circulated he’s prepared to sign with Brooklyn. Now, the speculation has shifted to the flat-earth truther’s desire to team with The Brow.
Should he sign with the Lakers? Yes. This always seemed like a possibility after Kyrie called LeBron this past January to mend fences after Irving demanding out of Cleveland two years ago. Now that AD is also in Hollywood, there’s even more incentive for a reunion with James, who Irving spent three seasons with including a championship tilt in 2015-16. If Kyrie is even remotely interested in coming to LA, he should be the top target over Walker. He’s a better facilitator, has a history with playing with James and is two years younger. The knocks on Uncle Drew is the durability issues that have plagued him since college and his tendency to be a bit immature, but those are minor compared to what he brings to the table.
If not, then where? Brooklyn might still be the favorite even in the wake of the Lakers nabbing Davis, so this might come down to those two teams unless a surprise contender emerges.
Kawhi Leonard, SF, Toronto Raptors
2018-19 Stats: 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 49.6 percent from the field, 37.1 percent from three
The Rundown: The Board Man pulled down the greatest rebound of his career when he bounced back from a dramatic , injury-plagued exit in San Antonio to lead the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship in his walk year. Now in the discussion for the best player in the league, The Klaw will likely be the most sought-after free agent on the market.
Should he sign with the Lakers? Absolutely not. Leonard just proved he could win a championship without clinging on to a bunch of other stars, so why would he leave legendary status to be a third wheel elsewhere? On top of that, the infamously glib 27-year-old would be an awkward fit beneath LA’s bright lights.
If not, then where? After becoming a Canadian icon in just one season, it’s hard to imagine Kawhi leaving Toronto. He has a solid running partner in Kyle Lowry and a rising star in Pascal Siakam. If they can keep the core intact, they’ll likely be back in the thick of things next season and for years to come.
Jimmy Butler, SG, Philadelphia 76ers
2018-19 Stats (combined between Minnesota and Philadelphia): 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.8 steals, 46.2 percent from the field, 34.7 percent from three
The Rundown: What once looked like a promising marriage ended in a chaotic divorce between Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves. After 10 games and a famous preseason shouting match, Jimmy Buckets was shipped to Philly and turned the Sixers into a scary title contender. Those championship hopes fell short but Philly gave up too much to just let one of the league’s best two guards walk away.
Should he sign with the Lakers? Maybe. Minnesota wasn’t as ready to be a contender as initially anticipated and Philly, even if Butler re-signs, faces an uphill battle navigating through a suddenly deep Eastern Conference. If the ultra-competitive Butler prioritizes winning a title, Los Angeles would be his best bet with the rest of the West in shambles. The question becomes whether the headstrong Butler can co-exist with James’ demanding ways. Many of the stars who’ve aligned with LeBron willingly dealt with his brand of leadership in exchange for the chance to compete annually. How would Jimmy’s quick trigger temperament fare with the Subtweet God? How enthused would he be playing alongside the league’s biggest power broker knowing he’s a couple bad arguments from being on the trade block?
If not, then where? After a rocky start, Butler found his groove in Philly but the Sixers will always be Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons’ team. If Philly or the Lakers aren’t enticing enough, the infamous wine connoisseur could look at LA’s other team or maybe find another star to join him in the Big Apple. A Butler-Kemba-Barrett-Knox-Robinson starting five would be interesting and there’s few more electrifying places to play than the Garden.
DeMarcus Cousins, C, Golden State Warriors
2018-19 Stats: 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.5 blocks, 48 percent from the field.
The Rundown: Attempting to make a comeback from a midseason Achilles injury, Cousins responded to a lack of interest in services by taking a discount to ring-chase with the Warriors. Boogie came back in mid-January, appeared in 30 games and put up modest numbers for a fourth option on a team with two elite scorers. Cousins went down again in the playoffs with a quad injury but returned in the Finals. Much healthier than this time last year, Cousins will look to reclaim his title as the league’s best center.
Should he sign with the Lakers? No. With James, Davis and Kyle Kuzma, the Lakers’ frontcourt is pretty much set unless Boogie wants to take another pay cut to be a role player. He has a connection to Davis from their time together in New Orleans and his departure may have sparked AD’s desire to leave. Still, Cousins will be only 29 in August and will have the latter part of his career to latch onto others for a ring. If he’s healthy and ready to be dominant, there are better options out there.
If not, then where? Depending on their cap situations, both Eastern Conference finalists could use a big man if their respective veteran rentals (Brook Lopez and Marc Gasol) leave. A reunion with former college teammate John Wall in Washington would be....interesting. But with KD and Klay out of the picture next season, a return to Golden State with a promise of a bigger role isn’t a bad idea.
Chris Paul, PG, Houston Rockets
2018-19 Stats: 15.6 points, 8.2 assists, two steals, 41.9 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from three.
The Rundown: Paul isn’t a free agent, but according to ESPN loudmouth Stephen A. Smith, there are whispers that the nine-time All-Star wants out of Houston. The Lakers don’t have much in terms of trade chips after selling the farm for Davis but the Rockets’ asking price for a 34-year-old point guard on the downside of his career can’t be that high. CP3 would be a distant third behind Kemba Walker and Kyrie Irving on the list of point guard options, but his friendship with LeBron makes him a possibility.
Should he go to the Lakers? No. This move makes sense for Paul but not for the Lakers. Paul is owed over $120 million over the next three seasons, which would cripple the Lakers financially and would not be worth the risk for a player who has struggled to stay healthy lately and has been to the conference finals once in 14 seasons.
If not, then where? Whatever Paul’s issue is in Houston is, it would be in his best interest to let it go. No contender is going to be willing to take on his contract in exchange for the services of a diminished All-Star and who knows how happy The Point God would be on a rebuilding team if he isn’t content with a very good Rockets squad. However, if he absolutely wants out, two teams come to mind: The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. If the Knicks completely strike out in free agency, trying to steal Paul for 50 cents on the dollar wouldn’t be a terrible consolation prize and would probably fall in line with everything the Knicks have done over the past decade. With Boston potentially losing Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier, a Paul trade is worth considering depending on whether Al Horford decides to stay or go as well.
