Lakers predicted to trade for $81M defensive anchor, 2-time Finals champion to pair with Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are up one game in their series against the Houston Rockets. However, questions still remain about the upcoming offseason. One of the biggest is whether LeBron James will return.
There is a strong belief that the Lakers can outbid any team pursuing him.
“But according to Windhorst, there aren't any NBA teams that will be capable of giving LeBron something in the realm of a $35 million deal, which bodes well for a Lakers return. While plenty of squads would absolutely love to sign LeBron to the mid-level exception, Windhorst suggested that James will be able to make more by signing a new deal with the Lakers,” Lake Show Life’s Colin Keane wrote.
The Lakers are also positioned to make significant moves this offseason due to their cap space and Luka Dončić’s desire 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.
The Lakers are expected to add several players this summer and could explore a trade for Alex Caruso of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“The Oklahoma City Thunder love Alex Caruso, but they clearly don’t need him. That should excite Los Angeles Lakers fans. They have cap space and are eager to improve their roster. Caruso is the ideal role player, and a reunion can’t be ruled out. All fans can do is stay tuned to see how it all shakes out,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.
Caruso would be a major addition for the Lakers, who are looking to improve defensively to complement their high-powered offense. The two-time NBA champion is also very familiar with Los Angeles.
Caruso is on an $81 million contract, but the Lakers are expected to have enough flexibility to absorb that salary this offseason. As they look to build a roster capable of contending for years to come, Caruso would be a strong fit.