The Los Angeles Lakers are fresh off winning theirleague-high 17th NBA championship. Led byLeBron James and Anthony Davis, they were the best and most consistent team from start to finish.
Now, however, most of their rivals in the Western Conference are getting stacked ahead of next season and they know that they must make a couple of moves if they want to stay at the top of the race.
So, with the 2020 NBA Draft already on the books and free-agency almost underway, let’s take a look at the top 5 moves the Lakers must do right now if they want to win back-to-back championships.
5. Trade Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma will be a free agent after this season. (Getty)
Kyle Kuzma is set to enter the last year of his rookie contract and is reportedly looking to cash in on a ‘sizeable extension’. The Lakers should just move on from him if they don’t intend to pay him what he demands and land a couple of veteran shooters in return.
Kuzma is still a promising young player but it seems like he doesn’t fit the Lakers’ timeline right now. Also, he’s already a champion so isn’t exactly tied to the desire to compete as he looks for the first big payday of his career.
4. Sign Joe Harris
Harris shoots 42% from deep. (Getty)
Joe Harris is going to be one of the most sought-after free agents this year. He’s a career 42% shooter from beyond the arc and exactly the kind of player the Lakers need to spread the floornext to LeBron and Davis.
Signing him could be tricky as he’s likely going to demand a big paycheck, but the Lakers could still convince him to take a lesser, short-term deal in order to pursue his first-ever NBA championship.
3. Re-sign Markieff Morris & Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
They’re both great defenders. (Getty)
Even though Kentavious Caldwell-Pope struggled with his shot and most Lakers fans were hard on him, the Lakers would make a mistake if they let him and his great backcourt defense walk away, especially after trading Danny Green.
As for Markieff Morris, he’s exactly the kind of bruiser and 3-and-D player they need coming off the bench. He’s tough, physical, versatile as a defender and can knock down shots from beyond the arc.
2. Sign Tristan Thompson
Thompson averaged a double-double last season. (Getty)
LeBron James already got Tristan Thompson a huge contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, it’s time for the Canadian to pay him back, taking a discount to once again play for a chance to make the Finals.
Dwight Howard has already said that he won’t play ‘for free’ again and the Lakers shouldn’t overpay an aging big man. Centers aren’t going to make much money this season and Thompson would be wise to join a contender while he still can.
1. Bring Back Anthony Davis On A Long-Term Deal
Davis just won his first ring. (Getty)
Well, this seems like a no-brainer but we still have to bring this up. Anthony Davis is highly expected to come back to the Lakers after leading their offense last season but whether he’ll sign a short or long-term deal is yet to be seen.
The Lakers must make sure to keep him on board for the next 5 years. LeBron James’ contract will be expired by then and they need to keep another franchise player around. They can’t afford to watch him leave two years from now.
