Alright, Lakers fans, it’s time to face the music: LeBron James isn’t getting any younger. The King has given us countless highlights, championships, and unforgettable moments, but Father Time is undefeated. With LeBron entering the final stretch of his career, the Lakers have to pull out all the stops to ensure they maximize every last bit of his greatness. Whether it’s through smart trades, savvy free-agent signings, or tweaking their game plan, the Lakers need to go all-in. Let’s dive into the game plan for making the most of LeBron’s remaining time in the NBA.
1. A Blockbuster Trade To Form A Big 3
This past free agency period was a bit of a roller coaster for the Lakers. They had their eyes on some big names, like Dejounte Murray, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, and James Harden, but things didn’t quite pan out. Klay Thompson ended up signing with the Mavericks, and DeRozan was snagged by the Kings in a three-year, $74 million sign-and-trade deal. The Kings are pairing DeRozan with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, making them a serious threat in the Western Conference.
So, where does this leave the Lakers? With the top-tier free agents off the market, the Lakers need to consider a blockbuster trade to bring in a third star to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This could mean making some tough decisions, like parting ways with key players such as Austin Reaves or D’Angelo Russell. Reaves has become a fan favorite with his hustle and shooting, but to get a player of DeRozan’s caliber, sacrifices must be made.
The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has emphasized their aggressive approach to improving the roster. Pelinka stated that they are always looking for ways to upgrade and will continue to explore every possible option to enhance their chances of winning. This could involve trading future draft picks and young talent to secure another All-Star.
In essence, if the Lakers want to maximize LeBron’s final years and contend for a championship, they need to make bold moves. Trading for a third star might be the best shot they have, even if it means parting with some promising young talent. The Lakers have shown they’re willing to be aggressive, and now it’s time to see if they can pull off the trade that will bring them back to the top of the NBA.
2. Turn The Roster Into A Defensive Unit
If the Lakers can’t land another offensive superstar, they need to pivot to what worked so well for them in 2020: building an elite defensive unit around their two stars. Back in 2020, the Lakers won the championship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, supported by a cast of strong defenders like Danny Green, Alex Caruso, and Dwight Howard. This defensive focus helped them dominate, especially in high-stakes playoff games.
To emulate this success, the Lakers need to prioritize defense-first players who can lock down opponents and make life easier for LeBron and AD. The key is to find players who are versatile, capable of switching across multiple positions, and can protect the rim or disrupt perimeter offenses.
Last year’s offseason has shown that the Lakers are aware of this need. They re-signed key defensive players like Jarred Vanderbilt, who has proven to be a versatile and energetic defender. Additionally, they brought in Gabe Vincent, known for his tough perimeter defense, and Taurean Prince, who gave size and defensive versatility on the wing.
By focusing on defense, the Lakers can mitigate the risk of relying too heavily on LeBron and AD’s scoring. A solid defensive unit can create fast-break opportunities, leading to easy points and taking some pressure off their stars. This strategy not only makes the team more balanced but also prepares them for the grind of the playoffs, where defense often makes the difference.
If the Lakers aren’t going to bring in another offensive star, doubling down on defense could be their best bet. Emulating their 2020 blueprint, they need to build a roster full of tough, versatile defenders who can support LeBron and AD and give them the best shot at another championship.
3. Better Offensive Players To Take Charge
LeBron James is turning 40 this December, and while he’s still performing at an elite level, it’s unrealistic to expect him to continue being the Lakers’ primary scoring option. If the Lakers are serious about maximizing LeBron’s final years, they need to bring in offensive players who can take the scoring load off his shoulders and allow him to conserve energy for key moments.
One option is Jordan Clarkson, who has evolved into a dynamic scorer since his early days with the Lakers. In the 2024 season, Clarkson averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game for the Utah Jazz. He also shot 44.8% from the field, 35.7% from beyond the arc, and 83.1% from the free-throw line. Clarkson is a player who can create his own shot, handle the ball, and provide instant offense off the bench or as a starter. The Lakers could pursue Clarkson to add a potent scorer who can take over games when needed.
Another target could be Nikola Vucevic. The veteran center is a versatile scorer who averaged 18.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game last season with the Chicago Bulls. Vucevic’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting (52.3% field goal percentage, 34.1% from three) and his low-post scoring would provide the Lakers with a reliable offensive option inside and out. Additionally, he contributed 3.3 assists per game and shot 77.4% from the free-throw line. Given that Vucevic hasn’t been heavily pursued this offseason, the Lakers might have an opportunity to acquire him at a reasonable cost.
Adding players like Clarkson or Vucevic would not only diversify the Lakers’ offensive attack but also reduce the wear and tear on LeBron. With these additions, the Lakers can ensure they have multiple scoring threats, making them more difficult to defend and giving LeBron the flexibility to pick his spots rather than carrying the scoring burden every night.
For the Lakers to thrive and make a deep playoff run, they need to surround LeBron with high-caliber offensive players who can take charge. By targeting proven scorers like Jordan Clarkson or Nikola Vucevic, the Lakers can build a more balanced and potent offense that can compete with the best teams in the league.
4. A Better Backup For LeBron James
To maximize LeBron James’ longevity and keep him fresh for the crucial moments, the Lakers need to ensure he doesn’t play excessive minutes. This requires a reliable backup who can take on significant playing time and maintain the team’s performance while LeBron rests. One potential target for this role is Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets.
Cam Johnson has shown he can be an effective player both as a starter and coming off the bench. In the 2024 season, Johnson averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 46.0% from the field and 40.5% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and provide solid defense makes him an ideal candidate to start and allow Rui Hachimura to come off the bench.
With Cam Johnson in the starting lineup, Rui Hachimura can be the primary backup for LeBron. Hachimura has proven his value as a versatile forward who can score and defend, making him an excellent sixth man. This depth allows LeBron to manage his minutes more effectively, reducing the wear and tear on his body over the course of the long NBA season.
By acquiring a player like Cam Johnson, the Lakers can ensure that LeBron isn’t overworked during the regular season. This strategy would help preserve LeBron’s energy and reduce the risk of injury, keeping him fresh for the playoffs. Additionally, having a dependable backup means the team doesn’t lose much ground when LeBron is on the bench, maintaining their competitiveness throughout the game.
Securing a better backup for LeBron James is crucial for the Lakers. Targeting a player like Cam Johnson, who can provide scoring, defense, and floor spacing, would significantly benefit the team. This move would allow LeBron to manage his minutes more effectively, ultimately maximizing his impact during the critical stretches of the season and ensuring he’s in peak condition for the playoffs.
