The 2017-18 NBA season has not officially started, but many are already looking to next year's free agency when the Los Angeles Lakers are attempting to clear the necessary cap space to sign two max contract players. One of these players who continues to be linked with Los Angeles is LeBron James.

Although the Cleveland Cavaliers recently signed Dwyane Wade and have improved their depth, there are no indications James will re-sign. As a result, Lonzo Ball's father, LaVar Ball, is convinced James will sign with the Lakers according to CBS Sports Flagrant Two podcast as transcribed by Colin Ward-Henninger of CBS Sports:

“I know it's gonna happen,” Ball said. “Let's just keep it real on the business aspect. [LeBron] is one of the best players probably, over Jordan … but the fact is he hasn't won enough. You been to the Finals too many times and haven't won enough.

If James signs with the Lakers, Ball's father did not shy away from saying whose team it is:

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“Whose team is it? Man, everybody know whose team it is — it's Lonzo Ball's team! LeBron's coming over here to join us. We ain't going over there to join him! If you come to my house, and you need somewhere to stay — it ain't your house because you came here to stay. It's my house!”

For the Lakers, it is no secret they are hoping to sign Paul George to entice James to change teams. However, there is a lot of work that needs to be done during the course of the upcoming season in order for free agents to even consider Los Angeles a destination once again.

Along with Ball, Brandon Ingram will need to show their All-Star potential. In addition, head coach Luke Walton and company will need to show they are only a couple players away from contention. While there are a lot of questions that need to be answered, things could quickly change for the Lakers in 2018.