I think this is an either/or situation for the Lakers.
Either they get a bunch of stars or they aren’t going to get any. They are running out of time to make a big move, so they are getting a little antsy no matter what Magic Johnson is saying.
Here are the details via ESPN.
As LeBron James remains hesitant to be the first superstar to decide on the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, pressure is mounting for the Lakers front office to execute a trade with the San Antonio Spurs to acquire disgruntled All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard, league sources told ESPN.
There’s a race to secure Leonard before James is faced with deciding whether to become a free agent on Friday, especially with concern that Oklahoma City’s Paul George is no longer assured of signing with the Lakers, league sources said.
Another preference by James that could impact free agency, league sources said, is that he wants to make a decision quickly in July free agency.
The Lakers have been weighing the conservation of young assets and future draft picks against the possibility of getting shut out in free agency. The Lakers hoped to lure James and George in free agency, which would give them more leverage in Leonard trade talks, or simply for the ability to wait until next year to sign Leonard.
The price for Leonard would be substantial. The Lakers could have to surrender a combination of former first-round picks — from Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart — and future first-round picks and perhaps restricted free agent Julius Randle in a sign-and-trade agreement.
The problem is the Spurs aren’t going to be rushed into anything, especially when it comes to helping the Lakers. BSO sources have said while LeBron maybe hesitant it isn’t a deal breaker if the Lakers don’t secure Kawhi or Paul George.
The reason being the Lakers will give assurances to LeBron because of all their young tradable assets it will just a matter of time either via trade or as early as the following season they will get him the parts he needs to compete for a championship.