The Los Angeles Lakers are now on their journey to repeat as NBA Champions in 2021.
They have been featured in many trade headlines as well as free agency rumors.
With the current construction of their roster, GM Rob Pelinka will need to make moves in the offseason to fill out the roster.
Similarly, to what he did last year in bringing in Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Whether it be through a trade or FA acquisition, the Lakers are in quest for a viable 3rd scoring option.
Luckily for them, they might have two more roster spots filled as both JaVale McGee and Avery Bradley are expected to opt-in to their player options.
JaVale McGee and Avery Bradley Will “Probably” Opt-In
The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the offseason with 3 guys with player options: Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee and Avery Bradley
Remember, it was recently reported that JaVale McGee might be on his way out as he recently sold his LA home.
But, it does not appear to be that way after all.
JaVale McGee played a very limited role in the postseason as Dwight Howard was designated the starting C.
Avery Bradley opted out of the bubble, but played a critical role on the defensive side of the ball for the Lakers.
It was recently reported by Sam Quinn of CBS Sports that both McGee and Bradley are expected to opt in.
“Bradley and McGee are probably opting-in, whether the Lakers want them to or not. Bradley’s bubble absence and McGee’s bubble irrelevance makes it highly unlikely that either would get a raise on the market. Their returns take us down to around $15 million to work with.”
Ideally, it makes sense for both to return as the Lakers could use cheap contracts for role players.
How Will The Los Angeles Lakers Fill Out Their Roster?
Anthony Davis does plan on returning to the Lakers.
Sources: Anthony Davis plans to opt out of contract and re-sign with the Lakers.
Inside Pass on Davis, Lakers/Heat offseasons and more across league at @TheAthleticNBA: https://t.co/P5YRf3Fbzb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 15, 2020
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers will be in search for that third scoring option once again.
With the little money they have to spend in the offseason, their best hopes of landing a 3rd star would be through a trade.
The Lakers have found themselves in many trade headlines as of late.
Most recently, they might actually clear some more cap space by trading Danny Green to the Dallas Mavericks.
Danny Green is currently set to make $15 million in the upcoming season.
By trading him, the Lakers could then pursue a deal featuring Kyle Kuzma that could land them Chris Paul or Bradley Beal.
According to a league executive on the possibility of the Lakers pursuing a Chris Paul trade;
“Chris Paul would love to come back to L.A. I know it would be a dream come true for Chris…I know LeBron loves and trusts him, and he would be a good fit.”
– (Via @EricPincus) pic.twitter.com/esg7sat1VT
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 15, 2020
Also keep in mind, that C Dwight Howard will be testing the waters of FA.
Him and the Lakers have “mutual” interest in a possible return, but Dwight would have to be willing to accept about $4 or 5 million.
We remain yet to see what the Lakers will do in an attempt to repeat, but one thing is for sure, they will more likely than not make a lot of noise throughout the offseason.
Leave a Reply