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The Los Angeles Lakers are in great celebration after landing their biggest free agent target in LeBron James, following with other free agents like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, JaVale McGee, and Lance Stephenson.
But any hopes of a Big Three are rapidly dwindling, as Paul George just secured a four-year, $137 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs are even more intent in refusing to trade Kawhi Leonard, and DeMarcus Cousins looks likely to compromise with the New Orleans Pelicans for a short-term max deal.
ESPN Insider Bobby Marks said it would be “extremely hard” for the Lakers to try and swing deals for Cousins or Leonard now that they have no salary cap space flexibility after signing James to a four-year, $154 million deal.
Article Continues Below“Boogie Cousins is unrealistic (for the Lakers),” Marks said.
Marks, who used to be a front office cap guru, noted that with the pieces in place, the Lakers would only be able to muster a $12 million offer for Cousins.
The Pelicans are able to offer Cousins a five-year, $200 million deal, but are somewhat reluctant to do so, as it would asphyxiate this front office when it has the need to make further moves.
Re-signing Rajon Rondo and Nikola Mirotic still remain a priority, as well as making room for Anthony Davis' impending supermax extension in 2019.
The Spurs are now even more resistant to help the Lakers to unload their young assets for Leonard, both unimpressed and unlikely to force matters to help a potential Western Conference title contender.
