Just a week or two ago, the Los Angeles Lakers' pipe dream was a terrifying trio of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and LeBron James.

It wasn't an impossible plan considering that George has long been vocal about his interest in playing for his hometown team (and it's the reason why he was promptly shipped by Larry Bird to the Oklahoma City Thunder) and Leonard's season-long internal feud with the San Antonio Spurs has reached fever pitch with a trade likely to happen. Only James' intentions were harder to read — despite the Lakers rumors being persistent, their roster wasn't exactly contender material.

Fast forward to the present: “Playoff P” has returned to OKC, James has committed to the Lakers, and Leonard is still in San Antonio.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) handles the ball in front of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half at Frost Bank Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James’ hilarious Victor Wembanyama admission on eventual retirementJosh Davis ·
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the basket as Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum.
DeMarcus Cousins explains the Luka Doncic reason why Magic overpaid for Desmond BaneJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Draymond Green reveals why Lakers’ $10 billion sale makes them ‘dangerous’Julian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James (6) smiles from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Lakers star LeBron James’ post-retirement plans linked to AmazonPreston Byers ·
LeBron James answers a question during an interview session with reporters during the Los Angeles Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center.
Bill Simmons rips Lakers, Buss family with LeBron James bailout takePreston Byers ·
Lamar Odom Kobe Bryant
Lamar Odom praises Kobe Bryant on helping him with his gambling addictionAutumn Hawkins ·

While the Lakers have added a few intriguing pieces immediately after nabbing James, the team is still in constant communication with the Spurs in putting together a package that doesn't involve prized rookie Kyle Kuzma.

There's no pressure for the Lakers brass to make a move for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and they have James' blessing too to stand pat (for now at least), per ESPN‘s Zach Lowe.

But LeBron is a Laker, and he is not pressuring L.A. to acquire a second star now, per sources familiar with his thinking. His decision to come alone for three guaranteed seasons speaks for itself. He knows Ingram has at least borderline All-Star potential, and that the 2019 free-agency class is loaded beyond Leonard. He has faith in the combined powers of his supernova talent and the Lakers brand.

His patience will have limits. But reading between the lines, the Lakers probably have the next calendar year before LeBron applies urgent pressure.