The Los Angeles Lakers are far from the most attractive team that players would want to get into, and it’s easy to see why.
While both LeBron James and Anthony Davis are outstanding players in their own right, they haven’t won another title since their 2020 championship in the bubble.
Sensing that their time together is quickly reaching its natural conclusion, they asked the front office to double their efforts in finding another key player who could help the team.
Another reason why the Purple and Gold aren’t the first option for many of the premier free agents this offseason is the uncertainty behind the head coaching role. While no one would deny that JJ Redick has a brilliant basketball mind, his lack of experience would have him heavily rely on his coaching staff to clean up any gaffes he might commit.
One of the best solutions to the Lakers’ problem is finding a third star who’s willing to get less money for the hopes of a ring.
Analyst names veterans who should take pay cuts to improve the Los Angeles Lakers’ chances of winning
Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar sounded off names he thinks will be beneficial to the Lakers’ quest for an 18th championship if they would be willing to take less money in the process.
Klay Thompson sits at the top of his list. LeBron James is reportedly already campaigning to bring Thompson to Southern California, but the four-time champion is also listening to offers from other teams that might be able to improve his chances.
Another possible pickup is DeMar DeRozan. The Compton native would love to play for the Purple and Gold, and the Los Angeles Lakers making a move for him would be a great addition to the squad.
The third name on the list is Brook Lopez. The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly open to trade the big man away if the price is right, and the Los Angeles Lakers have the necessary pieces to make that happen. Having a big who can stretch the floor will allow Davis and James to do their work in the paint without worrying about opposing big men patrolling the paint.
The final name on Bitar’s list is Nicholas Claxton. While his name doesn’t have the same gravitas as the first three, he’s a talented big man who can score, rebound, and defend with the best of them. What’s better is that they might not even have to pay a king’s ransom to get him.
All of these players will provide instant value to the Lakers’ 2024-25 title chase, but the front office will need to do more than getting one of these players to produce a legitimate contender.
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