The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly made it known to coaching candidates they are planning to improve the roster this summer via free agency rather than trades, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
The Lakers will have around $38 million to spend in free agency this summer. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard will all become unrestricted free agents this offseason.
“I’ve heard that some of the discussion that the coaching candidates have had with Lakers management has been (directed) more-so towards their plans for free agency this summer versus their plans to change their roster via trade,” McMenamin said on ESPN LA 710’s The Sedano Show, via Silver Screen and Roll.
“And so, if they’re not going to go for a roster-shaping trade this year and it’s gotta be through free agency… you either show up or you don’t. And if you don’t, the consequence is: It could create a really tough situation to live in if you’re LeBron James. So I think precarious is the best way to describe (the situation).”
The Lakers will probably try and trade for New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis, but by all accounts, the Pelicans don’t want to trade Davis to the Lakers.
Durant and Irving have been linked to joining the New York Knicks together. Leonard, meanwhile, has been linked to joining the Clippers.
There have been rumors that Butler wants to play for the Lakers, though.