LeBron James remains a fantasy acquisition for some Los Angeles Lakers aficionados. As of this moment, it is unknown how determined the Lakers are to pursue LeBron when he becomes a free agent next year.
Trying to take LeBron James away from the Cleveland Cavaliers is almost impossible at this point, especially for a rebuilding franchise like the Lakers. However, there might be a way to make the task easier, though it will involve sacrificing a young prospect(s).
LeBron James brought out the Nike Zoom Soldier 3 tonight vs. Indiana 👀 pic.twitter.com/YcHSfwcdlm
— B/R Kicks (@br_kicks) December 9, 2017
Get PG first
A report by Metro US suggested that for the Los Angeles Lakers to have an excellent chance of winning the LeBron James sweepstakes in 2018, they must land Paul George first.
Once they get George, they may have the star power that could entice LeBron to leave Cleveland and take his talents to the City of Angels.
Before LeBron got linked to the Lakers, the prominent name connected to them was George. Ahead of his current stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, George was a hot topic in NBA trade rumors. Many believed that he already had plans to split up with the Indiana Pacers and suit up for the Lakers, which is his hometown squad. Unfortunately, the Pacers crushed George's aspiration in July when they sent him to the Thunder instead.
Goodbye Kuz
Metro US proposed a trade for the Los Angeles Lakers to add Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. Unfortunately, the Lakers must be willing to give up two or three valuable members of their young core for it to happen.
The deal would see the Lakers let go of Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Clarkson, with seasoned swingman Corey Brewer. Among the three, Kuzma is likely the most difficult to part ways with for the purple and gold right now.
Kuzma is undoubtedly an elite rookie, that is why he is a crucial piece in the potential trade. The 22-year-old out of Utah is averaging 16.2 points (leads the Lakers), 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per contest.
Kuzma is performing way better than his fellow newcomer, Lonzo Ball, who was expected to be the new star of the organization.
The possible departure of Clarkson is saddening as well because he is a talented player. But in the past couple of years, the 25-year-old was always in NBA trade rumors together with Julius Randle. It seems like it is just a matter of time before the Lakers officially part ways with him. Meanwhile, Brewer was included to sweeten the deal. The 31-year-old is a reliable veteran in the league that can help any team with his energy, hustle, experience, and leadership.