The two stars the Lakers should bring in next year aren't named George or James. The Lakers boast a talented young core that simply lacks a bona fide go-to-guy and championship experience. Sure, these gaps can be filled by Paul George and Lebron James but it comes with a financial consequence that handicaps the organization from building a championship dynasty. The two I'm about to reveal not only addresses the gaps but it will allow Magic and Rob flexibility to add more pieces to the Lakers Dynasty puzzle in seasons to come.
Player 1
Who: Marc Gasol
Why: He may not be the best center overall in the NBA but he's an upgrade to Brook Lopez. He'll continue to put up all-star type numbers on a nightly basis with his consistent inside and outside offensive skills. These skills will be further enhanced in Pick-and-Roll or Pick-and-Pop situations with Lonzo Ball. He is a consistent defensive rebounder and provides enough defensive presence in the post to allow Laker guards to run over screens and play aggressive perimeter defense.
How: The Grizzlies are in limbo this season and may be looking at rebuilding next year which usually means getting younger. Gasol will be 33 next season with one more year in his contract. The Lakers should look to package a trade for Gasol involving Brook Lopez as a center for hire given his expiring contract and the very talented, very versatile and very young (23) Julius Randle. As much as the Lakers want to keep Randle for all the obvious reasons, the team is stockpiled with Power Forwards and may end up overpaying for Randle's services if they re-sign him as a Restricted Free Agent (RFA). The financials line up well and can be considered a win-win for both teams.
Player 2
Who: Klay Thompson
Why: Not only is Klay a perennial All-Star who has championship experience as a two time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors but he is also of championship pedigree because of his father Mychal Thompson who played with the Showtime Lakers. Klay has proven to be a clutch performer and can be that go-to-guy the Lakers desperately seek. He continues to be one of the best defenders in the league at the Shooting Guard position and is deadly from beyond the arc (46% this year, 42% career) which would not only fit well and thrive with Lonzo Ball's pass first mentality but it would create floor space for Brandon Ingram to penetrate and slash his way to the basket and eventually an All-Star ballot. There would be little to no adjustment to know the offense or defense since the Lakers run the same system as Golden State. This is due to Lakers Head Coach Luke Walton being a former assistant coach for the Warriors. Did I forget to mention that Luke and Klay are close friends?
How: The Lakers should try to fashion an off-season trade by re-signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as the primary trade asset. KCP will continue to provide the Warriors with All NBA defense at the SG position and a reliable third option scoring threat behind Steph and KD. This would of course all hinge on Klay wanting to be traded since he is under contract till the 2018-19 season. But we can't count out the lure of being the "main guy" on an up and coming team especially if that team happens to be your father's former team with the second most championships in NBA history. Oh did I forget Klay's from Los Angeles?
This is all speculation and wishful thinking of course but it never hurts to dream. Do you agree? Do you see other players being a better fit for the Lakers? Let me know and as always, thanks everybody!
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