The Future: Lakers prepares a Magnificent deal for James replacement

At present, the Los Angeles Lakers are considered a strong team, at least on paper, despite some skepticism from critics.

They boast arguably the best superstar duo in the NBA with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two players who have consistently demonstrated elite performance and leadership on the court. In addition to these star players, the Lakers have assembled a roster of reliable and valuable contributors who support the core duo. However, despite this talent, there remains a notable gap in depth and overall team strength.

The team’s potential could be further realized with additional support around their star players, as their current roster lacks sufficient complementary pieces to fully capitalize on their high-profile duo’s capabilities.

But James is 39 years of age, and he won’t stick around much longer by his own admission. It is thought he may only play two or three more seasons at this point, and since he can opt out of his new Lakers contract next summer, the 2024-25 season could be his final one with the Purple and Gold.

Thus, the team should be planning its pathway to return to championship contention after James either retires or simply leaves it. According to Kevin O’Connor, the Lakers are looking to eventually attract Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks to be the next face of their franchise.

“I’ve reported on this podcast and on The Ringer how they have their sights set for Luka [Doncic] in the future,” O’Connell said. “We’ll see if that works out. Dallas just made a Finals.

Dallas is looking better than ever with their supporting cast. That may not work out. But the Lakers, by not trading their future picks, clearly they’re still thinking long-term at this point.

Right now, it seems unthinkable that Doncic would even think about leaving the Mavs. As O’Connor said, they’re coming off a trip to the NBA Finals, and they signed Klay Thompson this summer in order to augment their top-heavy offense. The Mavs may not have the firepower to return to the championship series, but they’re certainly in the mix, at least for now. On the other hand, in 1995, no one thought there was any chance Shaquille O’Neal would leave a young Orlando Magic team that had just lost in the NBA Finals and head to the Lakers. Of course, that’s exactly what he did just one year later