Every NBA fan would know how the Lakers have always been investing in their young core team. However, it has been around seven years since they last won a championship, and their team this year may not even have that much of a chance against the Warriors. Thus, the best move they could pursue is getting both Paul George and LeBron James.
George and James are likely to stay with teams who have a chance at the championships, so the Lakers will have to show that their power duo, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, have what it takes to complement the two possible veteran additions. Otherwise, the Lakers may lose George and James to the 76ers or the Celtics. As previously pointed out by Metro US, Ingram and Ball are currently underperforming, especially in comparison to the Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons and the Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
At this point, fans would know that Magic Johnson is looking at the possibility of expanding his team. He would continue focusing on the development of the younger players, but that does not mean that he would not be able to get a few veterans to help guide the team. Speculations say that Johnson would be willing to create cap space for two maximum contracts and give those to both George and James.
George is currently in Oklahoma with two other ball-dominant players, so he may want to move to a team which gives him more freedom to lead. On the other hand, James remains with the Cavaliers, but he may leave next season as well if the Cavaliers do nothing to improve team performance. As such, it is up to the Lakers to show these two legends that they would shine in the California-based team.
The rumors about George or James being in the Lakers is not something new. For the most part, it would make sense since both have previously expressed their desire to play for the Lakers. However, the Lakers would need to step up and show what they have to offer before they even get close to making a deal with the two icons.
