NBA rumors are starting to heat up once again this offseason. One of the teams that have been always linked to these speculations is the Los Angeles Lakers. Words are spreading that they are already looking forward next year and listed LeBron James, Paul George and DeMarcus Cousin in their wish list for 2018.
Throughout NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers were always one of the powerhouse teams in the league. But for the past four years, they have not entered the playoffs and had some the worst records in the NBA. This season, they hired Earvin "Magic" Johnson as president and Rob Pelinka as general manager to turn things around.
And it appears that both executives are looking to enhance the Lakers' lineup not only this upcoming season but also the future as well.
Lakers moving some pieces
The Los Angeles Lakers made a minor tweak to their lineup this offseason by sending former first overall pick guard D'Angelo Russell and center Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez plus a draft pick. Just recently, reports also emerged that the Lakers tried to trade Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson to the Indiana Pacers for Paul George but that did not happen.
Many sports analyst believed that the move is part of the Lakers build up in 2018. Up until now, the team is said to be open to trading Clarkson to free cap space according to CBSSports.
They are also allegedly looking to unload Luol Deng's big contract to sway more superstars to join them. And three names have come out as their potential target next year.
Three superstars on Lakers' wish list
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams that had a disappointing performance last season. After signing Luke Walton to coach the team and acquiring Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng to boost their lineup, many expected that they would be better in 2016-17.
However, the team only managed to win 26 games and that was just good enough for 14th place in Western Conference.
Now, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka are making moves to boost their roster and are allegedly targeting three superstars. According to Bleacher Report, the Lakers are aiming to acquire the services of LeBron James, Paul George and DeMarcus Cousins next season.
The team has rookie Lonzo Ball as well as Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle in their fold and getting one or two of those big names will surely make them contenders again.
James, George and Cousins wearing the purple and gold would truly be exciting to see. If this particular rumor comes true it could really change things in the West next season.
