When LeBron James made the groundbreaking decision to join the illustrious Los Angeles Lakers franchise, the perception was that the team wasn’t done making moves.
Though this is true in that the Lakers have actively added solid, experienced role players to construct around LeBron, a second superstar remains absent. Though James is widely regarded as the best player on Earth, he typically has some star power on his side but this is looking more and more likely to not be the case next season. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, James isn’t pressuring the Lakers to add another star immediately.
…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.
Though LeBron James may be content going into next season without a superstar by his side, the Lakers will likely continue their unwavering pursuit of disgruntled Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard.
That being said, with LeBron holding faith in himself and his current supporting cast, the pressure on the Lakers is minimal, especially with a loaded free agency class on the horizon next summer. Perhaps if James is still the lone star after next summer, uneasiness may arise but it shouldn’t be arduous for LA to corral a star-caliber player out of next offseason’s crop.
Magic Johnson himself has said if he doesn’t deliver this summer or next, he will step down from his role in the Lakers front office. While adding LeBron James is certainly delivering, their eyes seem to be set on next offseason if they are unable to pry Leonard from the Spurs in the immediate future.
