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Despite a disappointing first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James is still largely considered a star's best bet to play alongside in hopes to win a championship. However, rumors of his incompatibility with other star players has run rampant throughout this season, a feeling that has only reverberated in front offices. According to some, the likes of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins remain The King's best bets as future partners this offseason:
“If anyone was basing a decision on winning, they should pick LeBron,” a longtime GM told Howard Beck of Bleacher Report. “If you really want to win, you need two great players. So the Lakers win.”
The Lakers didn't chase hard after Paul George and lost him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and most believe they have already lost Kawhi Leonard to the LA Clippers, even before the postseason comes to an end.
Yet James, who needs the ball to do his damage on the court, would be best suited with play-finishers like big men who can run the floor and make the most of his creativity:
“Not many of these wings or point guards are going to want to partner with LeBron,” said an assistant GM. “LeBron's best chance at getting another star with him is going to be Anthony Davis, Boogie Cousins, the bigs.”
The Lakers are expected to pursue a trade for Davis this offseason, one that could clean house at Staples Center, likely ridding him of all the young players he shared the court with this season.
As for Cousins, he has already done plenty to build his stock back where it was before after coming back midseason with the Golden State Warriors and showing his potential as a cog in a championship-bound team.
Neither Davis nor Cousins will need the ball in their hands in every possession, allowing James to operate freely and look to feed them and help them finish plays, but only if the Lakers' front office can manage to get them there first.
