The Los Angeles Lakers are planning on making a considerable effort to sign big-name free agents this summer. The team is prepared to clear cap space and make room for as many as two max players with some intriguing options come July 1.
During a recent visit to the Spectrum SportsNet studios, NBA analyst and three-time champion James Worthy spoke with ClutchPoints about a number of different topics including which free agents he believes the team should pursue.
“I like Paul George,” Worthy said. “He's from here. He wants to come here. He's young. He's the typical Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson-type player. Two-way player. Just the fact he's from here, and I've heard he wants to come here, so he's one of the guys.
“Everyone talks about LeBron. Who wouldn't want LeBron? He's got a few years left. I don't know what the situation is with Boogie. I like Boogie. I've always liked him. Despite Dennis Rodman's kind of aloofness. I think if he can find the right home. L.A. with Magic here.”
“So I like Boogie. You got to take a chance on personality.”
The combination of George and DeMarcus Cousins is an intriguing one for the Lakers. Both players grew up rooting for the team and have been linked to the franchise on multiple occasions whether it be in trade rumors or speculation about their interest in playing in Los Angeles.
Worthy thinks the combination of the two young stars would be a good one as long as it doesn't mean breaking up their core.
“I would love that,” Worthy said. “Hopefully, hang onto a few our core players we have right now.”
At this point, there's no telling what will happen once NBA free agency opens on July 1. George has expressed his interest in eventually playing for the Lakers but currently seems content with the Oklahoma City Thunder and playing alongside fellow stars Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.
As for Cousins, it is anyone's guess whether he'll test the free agent waters or merely re-sign with the Pelicans. The Kentucky product is playing well with another former Wildcat in Anthony Davis, but it remains to be seen if that's a championship-caliber duo in New Orleans.
The Lakers will have their options with LeBron James being one of them as Worthy pointed out. It'll be an interesting offseason, to say the least for the 16-time NBA champions.
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