The Golden State Warriors still remain the team to beat in the coming 2017-18 NBA season. Thanks to Kevin Durant's pay cut that is worth more than $6 million, the Warriors front office was able to bring its solid championship core intact. This includes signing two-time MVP Stephen Curry to a five-year, $201 million supermax extension.
Many teams made significant improvements during the offseason from the NBA Draft, the free agency market, and player trades. However, many basketball analysts and experts including fans and aficionados believe that the Warriors will still reign.
Kevin Durant's $25 million salary is $9.5 million less than his max, $6.8 less than expected and $1.54 million less than he made last year.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 3, 2017
Undoubtedly, the Warriors are hands down the runaway choice to win the 2018 NBA Championship; however, the 2018-19 NBA season is believed to have a different story. According to rumors, many NBA teams plan to create their version of “superteam” -- this includes the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bringing two certified NBA superstars
Led by Magic Johnson, the Lakers front office is expected to run after LeBron James and Paul George in the free agency. Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook is a Los Angeles, California native; thus, expect rumors about him joining the Lakers won’t die anytime soon, whether via trade or free agency.
The NBA salary cap is expected to hit $103 million for 2018-19. The Lakers’ guaranteed payroll for next season is currently at $41.3 million. This gives them at least $60 million to entice two certified NBA superstars. Plus, there were rumors that Luol Deng could be heading to their next NBA team to clear more salary space.
Aside from LeBron, Westbrook, and George, certified NBA superstars are reported joining the free agency in the summer of 2018.
Some of the names include Carmelo Anthony (player option), DeMarcus Cousins (free agent), DeAndre Jordan (player option), LaMarcus Aldridge (player option) and Isaiah Thomas (free agent).
LA Lakers “superteam”
LeBron James and Paul George will surely bring out the best of the Lakers’ talented core of young players in Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma, but that would mean at least $65 million in payroll.
Then there’s the question of the future of Brook Lopez and Julius Randle.
The 7’0” center is currently the highest paid player on the Lakers roster. Re-signing Lopez would prove vital to the Lakers’ run to the NBA Finals. And unless he’s willing to do what Derrick Rose did, he could be heading to the free agency. But who knows?
On the other hand, Randle could accept the qualifying offer though he could become a free agent if the Lakers are forced to cut the payroll. But should he stays, Randle will play a vital role alongside Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson coming off the bench.
The task to hold these nine players may seem impossible, how much more complete a 15-man roster? And for Magic Johnson to bring back the old glory of the Los Angeles Lakers, he must waive his magic wand once again.
There’s a lot of work still needs to be done, but getting all these guys under one team surely gives a big challenge to the Golden State Warriors’ reign. They will serve as the Los Angeles Lakers’ core “superteam”.
