By selecting Bronny James and forming a Big Four with Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, the Lakers can win the summer.
The Lakers have decided not to acquire any players before the trade deadline on Thursday afternoon. That means the franchise is keeping its core together, for now, since D’Angelo Russell has been playing relatively well and the Lakers were on a 3-game winning streak before their loss against Denver. However, not making any moves also means the Lakers need to go all-in for the summer, potentially using their 2029 first-round pick that they did not move this season.
After all, the Los Angeles Lakers’ title window seems to be closing quickly since LeBron James is 39 years old and clearly past his prime. Anthony Davis is still in his prime, posting this season, but he is known to suffer untimely injuries and one weird fall on the court could see him missing significant time. In other words, this season might not amount to anything as the Lakers hold a 27-26 record and rank a poor 19th in defense.
However, their fortunes could change next season when the Lakers look to create a superteam shortly due to clever planning. With a variety of steps to be followed, the Lakers can keep their superstar core of James and Davis while adding three big names to the team: Bronny James, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Here are the steps for the Lakers to win the summer of 2024 with a chance to win the championship next year
Lakers Draft Bronny James In The Second Round Of 2024 Draft
The potential scenario of the Los Angeles Lakers drafting Bronny James in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft presents a captivating narrative filled with both promise and intrigue. Armed with a 2024 second-round pick acquired from the LA Clippers, the Lakers possess a unique opportunity to select Bronny James, the son of their star player, LeBron James.
Projected to be available in the second round, Bronny’s addition to the Lakers roster would not only fulfill LeBron’s long-standing desire to play alongside his son but also serve as a strategic move to ensure the continued presence of the King in Los Angeles. Moreover, selecting Bronny offers a cost-effective investment in young talent with significant potential, since the shooting guard is 6’4” and has nice athleticism and a decent jump shot.
The prospect of LeBron and Bronny sharing the court creates an electric storyline that would undoubtedly captivate NBA fans and media alike, adding a layer of excitement and anticipation to the upcoming season. Crucially, keeping LeBron James content and committed is paramount to the Lakers’ success, and drafting Bronny could prove to be the key to achieving this goal.
By securing Bronny James in the second round, the Lakers have the opportunity to cement their bond with LeBron and bolster team chemistry, potentially setting the stage for a new era of Lakers basketball driven by familial ties and championship aspirations.
LeBron James Accepts $51 Million Player Option
LeBron James’ decision to accept his $51 million player option solidifies his commitment to the Los Angeles Lakers, especially in light of the team’s draft selection of his son, Bronny James in the 2024 Draft. With this move, LeBron ensures his continued presence in Los Angeles, further enhancing the Lakers’ championship prospects.
Despite turning 40 next season, LeBron remains an elite player, surpassing the vast majority of the league in skill and athleticism. He is proving that by averaging 24.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game this season, at 39 years old.
His unparalleled basketball IQ, leadership, and versatility make him an invaluable asset to the Lakers’ roster. By opting into his player option, LeBron not only demonstrates his loyalty to the organization but also underscores his belief in the team’s ability to contend for championships.
With LeBron leading the charge, the Lakers maintain a formidable presence in the NBA landscape, positioning themselves as legitimate contenders next year. With LeBron James intact in Los Angeles and his son, Bronny, adding youth and energy, the Lakers can start their creation of a superteam.
Easy Trade For Draymond Green
The next step to creating a contender is to trade for defensive star Draymond Green, a veteran player who can defend multiple positions and provide championship experience. Even if he is past his best at 33 years old, Green can still contribute to a championship-caliber team.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Draymond Green
Golden State Warriors Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent
Acquiring Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors presents a strategic move for the Los Angeles Lakers in their pursuit of a championship-caliber team. Despite being 33 years old and potentially past his prime, Green’s defensive prowess, versatility, and championship experience make him a valuable addition to any roster. With the Lakers aiming to bolster their defensive capabilities and add veteran leadership, Green’s skill set aligns perfectly with their objectives. Even if he is no longer the player who won the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year, he is posting 9.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game this season while still being an elite defender.
In the proposed trade scenario, the Lakers receive Draymond Green, a proven defensive stalwart who can anchor their frontcourt and provide invaluable leadership on and off the court. Green’s ability to defend multiple positions, facilitate the offense, and make winning plays in crucial moments would significantly enhance the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
In exchange, the Golden State Warriors receive Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent. While Hachimura shows promise as a young forward with potential upside, his departure allows the Lakers to secure a seasoned veteran in Green, better suited to contribute to their immediate championship ambitions. Additionally, Vincent provides depth at the guard position for the Warriors, offering them flexibility in their roster composition.
Overall, this trade benefits both parties involved. The Lakers strengthen their roster with a proven winner in Draymond Green, while the Warriors acquire promising young talent in Hachimura and a solid rotation player in Vincent. If executed, this trade has the potential to significantly bolster the Lakers’ championship aspirations because, outside the court, Green is known to be a close friend of LeBron James.
Sign Klay Thompson In Free Agency
Signing Klay Thompson in free agency would offer the Los Angeles Lakers a valuable addition to their roster, despite his recent criticisms and slight decline in athleticism. While Thompson may not be the dominant force he once was, his skill set still aligns perfectly with the needs of the Lakers, particularly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Thompson’s proficiency as a sharpshooter (career 41.3% 3-PT FG) and floor spacer would greatly benefit the Lakers’ offense. His ability to catch and shoot, coupled with his deep range and quick release, would create ample spacing on the floor, opening up driving lanes for LeBron James and providing additional scoring options for the team. Thompson’s presence would force defenses to stretch out, giving James and Davis more room to operate in the paint and facilitating ball movement around the perimeter.
Moreover, Thompson’s defensive capabilities, although not at an elite level as before, still provide significant value to the Lakers. His size, length, and defensive instincts allow him to guard multiple positions effectively, easing the defensive burden on James and Davis and providing versatility in defensive schemes. Additionally, Thompson’s experience as a championship-caliber player brings intangible benefits to the team, including leadership, professionalism, and a winning mentality, all of which are invaluable in playoff scenarios
In essence, Thompson’s skill set complements James and Davis perfectly. His floor spacing, defensive prowess, and championship experience make him an ideal teammate for the Lakers’ star duo, enhancing their championship aspirations and solidifying the team’s contention status in the NBA. Despite his recent criticisms and a minor decline in athleticism, Thompson remains a valuable asset whose contributions would significantly elevate the Lakers’ chances of success.
A Lakers Superteam Is Formed
Starting Lineup: D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, LeBron James, Draymond Green, Anthony Davis
Key Bench Players: Bronny James, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt
The Lakers’ new starting lineup featuring D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, LeBron James, Draymond Green, and Anthony Davis represents a formidable combination of talent, experience, and versatility. With Russell at point guard, his playmaking ability and scoring prowess provide a dynamic offensive threat alongside the perimeter shooting of Thompson and the all-around brilliance of James.
