Now that the dust has settled on the Anthony Davis trade, the Los Angeles Lakers embark on quite possibly the most consequential free agency in recent franchise history.
The Lakers acquired one of the best players in the NBA, but they had to give up Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and a slew of picks (including the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, which would eventually become De'Andre Hunter) to pry Davis away from the New Orleans Pelicans.
And because of certain particulars in the Davis trade, the Lakers may not even have full cap space, so they have been shopping Mo Wagner, Isaac Bonga and Jemerrio Jones in order to create space for another max free agent.
The depletion of LA's roster has caused many to ponder whether or not the Lakers would look to sign roster fillers to compliment Davis and LeBron James, instead of pursuing a third star. And while it looks like the chase for a third star is still the main goal, the Lakers seem prepared for alternatives.
Appearing on an episode of the “Silver Screen and Roll Podcast” on Wednesday, New York Times reporter Marc Stein said that the Lakers may pursue Milwaukee Bucks point guard Malcolm Brogdon if they miss out on Kyrie Irving or D'Angelo Russell (Transcript):
“I know there’s been the big rumblings this week about D’Angelo Russell in the event the Nets end up renouncing him if the Nets get Kyrie. I’ve heard a rumble or two that don’t be surprised if (the Lakers) make a run at Brogdon as a restricted free agent. They would be a team that would be interested in him. I think it’s going to take a really big offer sheet to convince Milwaukee not to match, because they obviously are very fond of Brogdon.”
Russell may be the most likely option out of the three. The Nets still appear keen on signing Irving, and it is unlikely that they would match an offer sheet on Russell if Kyrie goes to Brooklyn.
Meanwhile–as Stein mentions–it would take an excessive offer sheet to pry Brogdon away from the Bucks.
Follow Us
Subscribe