The Los Angeles Lakers went into 2018 free agency with grand plans, though president of basketball operations Magic Johnson also noted the front office considered it the start of a two-year window of overhaul the franchise.
While the Lakers were spurned by Paul George, the first domino fell into place when LeBron James signed a four-year contract. The Lakers opted to keep their young core intact throughout the summer but did attempt to complete a trade for Anthony Davis at this season’s deadline.
Although the Lakers will have a max-contract slot available in free agency this summer, they aren’t necessarily considered a favorite for any of the top talent that’s due to reach the open market — Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson.