The Los Angeles Lakers aren't ready to attract a big-name free agent yet.

That might change in a few years.

Kevin Durant wouldn't even give the Lakers a meeting as the entire league attempted to court him this summer. KD met with the Warriors, Thunder, Clippers, Spurs, Celtics and even probably gave the Knicks more of a chance.

Bottom line, Durant is in the business of winning titles right now and the Lakers aren't there yet. KD said as much when he commented that he “respected” the franchise but “felt like they were a couple of years away” from his ideal situation.

Even without Durant, there's reason for hope in Los Angeles. The Lakers have the last two No. 2 overall picks, D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram, both of which looked pretty good during this year's Las Vegas Summer League.

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Russell averaged nearly 22 points per game while Ingram scored 12.2 a night. Both showed flashes of why they were such high draft selections. Together they make up one of the most promising young backcourts in the league.

If the two develop over the next few seasons, it will go a long way in helping the Lakers position themselves to attract a marquee free agent.

They weren't ready for Durant this summer, but it's become a trend in this league to plan far ahead in the future. The Lakers have the tools to become a major player sooner than many think.

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